How can I help prevent and reduce veteran suicide?

If you served in the military, then there's a good chance your life has been touched by suicide in one way or another. Suicide rates among veterans are about 50 percent higher than the civilian rate, an unacceptably high figure.

The good news is that, according to the VA, just before the pandemic, we saw the largest decline in veteran suicide rates in more than two decades. We all want to see this trend continue.

Stop Soldier Suicide is working to reduce suicide rates among those who served. We believe bringing the military and veteran suicide numbers down to civilian parity is not only possible but our solemn duty.

This is a mission that takes all of us, so we'd like to invite you to help. You can play a critical role in helping save the lives of veterans and service members who may be thinking about suicide.

First: Ask the hard question.

"With everything you've been going through, have you had thoughts of killing yourself?"

Then listen.

Express your desire to help keep your person safe, whether a loved one or a battle buddy. Talk about keeping firearms safe and locked up in the home. Offer to store those weapons or keys to locks and safes until the crisis has settled.

If you find the task becomes challenging beyond your capabilities, then seek professional support. You can get immediate support at Stop Soldier Suicide.^{See note1}

Second: Use your resources.

If you served, then you probably love acronyms. Here are a few good ones that can help you remember ways to help someone struggling.

• ACE — Ask, Care, Escort^{See note1}
• S.A.V.E. — Signs, Ask, Validate, Encourage and Expedite^{See note1}
• QPR — Question. Persuade. Refer.^{See note1}

All these prevention approaches teach similar principles: To be aware of and sensitive to others' needs. Address the issue head on, with clarity and compassion. Don't hesitate to use the word "suicide." Then help the individual receive additional support by connecting them to resources.

Additionally, if you or a veteran you know is in a suicidal crisis, free emergency medical care is now available at any Department of Veterans Affairs facility or any private facility.

The 2023 VA policy change provides free care for up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residential care and up to 90 days of follow-up, outpatient care. For more information, visit VA.gov.^{See note1}

Third: Create safe and supportive communities.

Preventing suicide isn't just about identifying and helping people in need but creating safer and more supportive communities.

What do you see in your community that may be harmful? What can you do to advocate change? How can you help promote greater connection and purpose among veterans and service members in your town, city or region?

You can make a difference in your social networks through small and simple efforts. Try reconnecting each month with one or two veterans with whom you've lost touch.

A recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that sending eight intervening messages like emails or text messages to service members over the course of a year helped reduce suicide attempts.

Who's someone you can send regular unconditional notes of encouragement and support?

Ultimately, suicide prevention comes down to being there for one another, which those of us who have served know a lot about. Stop Soldier Suicide is here to save lives, and we hope you'll join us in that cause.