Veteran Suicide Prevention

First Steps for Veterans or Helping a Veteran

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1.

The Veterans Crisis Line is the world’s largest provider of crisis call, text and chat services, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It serves more than 650,000 calls every year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Users also may text to 838255 or chat online to receive confidential crisis intervention and support.

Suicide Prevention in Minnesota

Minnesota loses around 100 Veterans to suicide each year. The mental health and well-being of our Veterans continue to be a top priority. MDVA is collaborating with other organizations to identify risk factors of Veteran suicide and create an innovative, cooperative way to reverse this trend, reducing Veteran suicide deaths in Minnesota.

Veteran suicide is often the result of a combination of factors, including mental or physical illness, alcohol or drug abuse, painful loss, exposure to violence, social isolation, and access to lethal weapons. Veterans are at a higher risk for suicide than the civilian population. MDVA is working with local, state and federal partners to expand access to mental health services for service members, Veterans and their families (SMVF) in the state of Minnesota.

MDVA developed an updated Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan in early 2026 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. 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.

Key points of the updated plan include:

  • 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 connection.
  • 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 using 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.

Video Resources

Free Gun Locks

Cable Gun LockMDVA wants to partner with the state’s SMVF population on staying safe. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a locked gun can mean the difference between a tragic outcome and a life saved for someone in crisis. Though Veterans are well-versed in firearm safety, all gun owners should understand that during emotional or stressful times, delaying access to a gun could mean the difference between life and death. Gun locks can prevent someone in crisis from tragically taking their own life.

Veteran-affiliated agencies have distributed tens of thousands of gunlocks over the past few years. If you would like a free gunlock, please email suicideprevention.MDVA@state.mn.us with your mailing address.

Off-Site Firearm Storage Options

Minnesota has a map of safe, approved locations for voluntary, temporary firearm storage. This map was developed to help community members seeking local options for out-of-home firearm storage, which can be especially helpful to persons in crisis. The businesses and law enforcement agencies listed on this map are willing to consider requests for temporary, voluntary gun storage.


Suicide Prevention Coasters

CoasterMDVA 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.

Find a CVSO

Minnesota County Veterans Service Officers are a first point of contact for service members, Veterans or their families when needing assistance with benefits associated with military service.

Visit macvso.org to find your local CVSO.

Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention (MVSP) Collaborative Members

Resources