Did you know that Minnesota loses 100 Veterans a year to suicide?

At the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), we grieve the loss of these comrades, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters. While we alone cannot prevent all Veteran suicide, we are committed to doing all we can to raise awareness of this tragedy and to educate the community about how we can all work together to support Veterans in crisis and avoid this tragic outcome.

During September, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we partner with colleagues from the Minnesota Department of Health to share important information. Although mental health and suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations and communities to join their voices and share that there is hope, help is available and healing is possible.

MDVA’s Veteran Suicide Prevention Team increases awareness through education and outreach events. For example, the team participated in Farmfest in early August and met with hundreds of Minnesotans to promote safe gun storage (most Veteran suicides involve firearms) and encourage training. Another example: Mental Health First Aid is a class that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. You’ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. Register for a future class by emailing SuicidePrevention.MDVA@state.mn.us.

And for those of you in the St. Louis County area, please consider attending the annual Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day event in Duluth on Saturday, October 5. The program will include time for networking, resource and information tables, and speakers who represent Veterans, family members and professionals impacted by Veteran suicide. Find more details on our website.

It takes a village to impact the tragedy of Veteran suicide, and I hope you will join me and my MDVA colleagues in supporting our efforts.

As always, if you need information or support on any Veteran issue, please visit our website, contact your County Veterans Service Officer, or contact LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.

Thank YOU for your service!