Minnesota loses approximately 100 Veterans each year to suicide. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is working to end this tragedy.

In a recent interview with Minnesota Military Radio, Kristi Charles shared information on MDVA’s suicide prevention initiatives. Charles is the Veteran Suicide Prevention Coordinator for MDVA and served in a similar role with the Minnesota National Guard. She has a special expertise in human development, family life and education – and has a passion for helping Veterans live healthy and thriving lives.

“Suicide is a bigger problem for Veterans,” Charles told listeners in her interview. Compared to the general population, more Veterans take their own lives. “That could be for a lot of reasons. More Veterans have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and mental illness struggles. Their time in combat and issues with transitioning to civilian life may also be factors,” she added.

An in-progress fatality analysis research project, which uses information gathered from interviews with friends and family members of Veterans who took their lives, is an important way to understand how to prevent suicides, according to Charles.

Our state is considered a leader in suicide prevention. “Other states look to Minnesota for our robust programs,” she said. MDVA works closely with the Minnesota Department of Health and the VA Health Care System to develop strategies to counter suicide. Charles cited collaborative training, awareness and education programs as being key. County Veterans Services Officers (CVSOs) are critical to moving those education initiatives into communities throughout the state.

Charles described the safe firearms storage initiative as another important component in the program. If someone is struggling with their mental health, MDVA encourages Veterans to ask someone to temporarily store their firearms. About 70 percent of suicides involve firearms.

Veterans struggling with mental health issues and suicidal feelings can call 988, then press 1. 988-1 is the Military Crisis Line, a free, confidential resource for all service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and Veterans, even if they’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.

Caring family members or friends of Veterans can call, too. “Dial 988 and press one to reach out and talk to someone. If you’re worried about a Veteran, call 988 with them,” advised Charles.

You can listen to the full interview here.

For more information on MDVA suicide prevention, visit the MDVA website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/EndVetSuicide.