Minnesota loses around 100 Veterans a year to suicide. To address this tragedy, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) recognizes September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Although mental health and suicide prevention are important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to share that there is hope, help is available and healing is possible.

To make change happen, we will need to shift our culture from silence and stigma to encouragement, understanding and support. Taking action to prevent suicide can create hope and save lives. Research has shown that people are less likely to attempt suicide or to die by suicide in communities that support, care for and affirm their members.

In early 2026, MDVA developed an updated Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan that was approved by the Minnesota Legislature. “We have intentionally built the infrastructure needed to move from isolated programs to a coordinated statewide prevention system,” says Rachel Johnson, MDVA Veterans Community Health Director. Over the last year, the MDVA Veterans Community Health team has expanded its suicide prevention efforts to include clinical consultation, data analytics, Veteran Health Navigators and regional community coordination.

How can you help?

• 988 Day is recognized Sept. 8 to raise awareness about the 988 Veteran Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The theme “Your reason is reason enough” is a reminder that you don’t have to be in crisis to reach out to 988. Whatever you’re facing, big or small, your reason for seeking support is reason enough. The 988 line provides judgment-free, compassionate support for anyone experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, problems with substance use, loneliness or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Call 988 and you’ll be connected with a caring, skilled 988 counselor who can provide culturally competent support.
• Veteran Buddy Check Week is held September 21 - 25, 2026 and aims to enhance peer-to-peer connections, improve mental health and increase access to VA and non-VA resources. The three-step process to: 1. Take the pledge, 2. Take the training and 3. Find buddies is supported by the VA and the American Legion. Learn more at the Federal VA's Buddy Check page.
• National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day is September 22 and recognizes the struggles faced by military personnel and Veterans and brings attention to the importance of adequate mental health support and resources.
• The Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention Summit will take place September 30 at the Everett McClay VFW Post 1296/Earl C. Hill American Legion Post 550 in Bloomington. This day-long event centers on the power of military-competent connections and the relationships and partnerships that support Veterans and their families across every stage of the care continuum. Learn more at our Suicide Prevention Summit event page.
• Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day is recognized as the first Saturday in October to serve as a reminder of this issue and how Minnesota is addressing this tragedy.
• Free gunlocks. Because two-thirds of Veteran suicides are by guns, MDVA encourages everyone to use a gunlock. A locked gun can mean the difference between a tragic outcome and a life saved for someone in crisis. Free gunlocks are available by emailing SuicidePrevention.MDVA@state.mn.us.
• Free drink coasters. MDVA has created drink coasters with important information that supports efforts to prevent Veteran suicide. The coasters are appropriate for use at American Legion or VFW posts or other Veteran locations. 75 coasters per package; maximum of four packages per request. To order a free supply, email SuicidePrevention.MDVA@state.mn.us.

Learn more about MDVA’s efforts at MinnesotaVeteran.org/EndVetSuicide.