Minnesota continues to lose approximately 100 Veterans each year to suicide. Behind every number is a family, a community and a life defined by service.

Together, for more than seven years, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has remained steadfast in its commitment to preventing Veteran suicide risk across our state. MDVA has built strong partnerships with numerous Veteran advocates and organizations, delivered hundreds of suicide prevention trainings, distributed thousands of gunlocks, and advanced strategies to improve Veteran mental health and reduce suicide risk.

While this work has made a meaningful impact, the number of Veteran deaths by suicide has remained constant. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach, MDVA sought increased support during the 2025 Legislative session. “We were grateful to the Legislature for providing funding that allowed us to complete additional research and develop a Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan,” says Eric Meittunen, MDVA Deputy Commissioner - Veterans Healthcare. “Over the past year, we have intentionally built the infrastructure needed to move from isolated programs to a coordinated statewide prevention system. With Legislative support, the MDVA Veterans Community Health team has expanded suicide prevention leadership, clinical consultation, data analytics capacity, Veteran Health Navigators and regional community coordination.”

A major milestone has been the expansion of Regional Coordinators to strengthen rural outreach and reduce duplicative services explains Rachel Johnson, MDVA Veterans Community Health Director. “We are also expanding the Veteran Health Navigator program into non-VA healthcare systems to improve Veteran identification, ensuring Veterans are recognized early and connected to the right care and resources so they do not fall through gaps between systems.”

The updated Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan was successfully presented to and approved by the Minnesota Senate Veterans Committee and the Minnesota House Veterans Committee during this current Legislative session.

The Veteran Community Health Suicide Prevention Plan:

• Our goal is to move from crisis response to early prevention and connection.
• We are building a coordinated suicide prevention system across Minnesota.
• Suicide prevention does not begin in a clinic; it begins in communities where Veterans live, gather and build connections.
• The plan establishes a clear, measurable roadmap for prevention.
• We are focused on strengthening infrastructure, expanding prevention capacity, improving early identification, increasing access to care, supporting communities after loss and us data to guide decisions.
• Central to this work is intentional community engagement. We are building strong, sustained awareness and marketing channels that increase understanding of Veteran suicide risk and equip communities — especially in outstate and rural areas — to recognize warning signs, respond effectively and support Veterans locally.

The full Veteran Suicide Plan is available on the MDVA website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/EndVetSuicide.