State-level Veteran Suicide Data, National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide

VA Releases State-level Veteran Suicide Data, National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide
Press release
July 2, 2018
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released state-level Veteran suicide data today as a follow-up to its 2015 National Suicide Data Report, which was released on June 18.

Alongside the state data sheets, VA also published the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide, a strategic framework for the nation’s collective efforts to prevent Veteran suicide over the next decade.

The updated 2015 state data sheets offer an analysis of Veteran suicide data by age, gender and suicide method for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Both the individual state data sheets and the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide underscore the fact that suicide remains an important national public health concern affecting both Veterans and non-Veterans in every state. The state data sheets serve as a critically important tool that helps VA and its partners at the state and community levels design and execute the most effective suicide prevention strategies.

“VA is working hard to prevent suicide among all Veterans, including those who do not, and may not ever, use VA services and benefits,” said Acting VA Secretary Peter O’Rourke. “Our work is driven by data that inform our efforts and our partners’ efforts to prevent suicide through a national public health approach.”

Suicide is a complex public health issue. While there is no single explanation for disparities in suicide rates between states, differences in population size, health-care access, and firearm policy are relevant considerations. The interaction of these factors further highlights the need for a coordinated approach to suicide prevention that involves the broader community to support Veterans before they reach a crisis point.

The National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide reflects VA’s vision for a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention that involves different sectors working together to build effective networks of support, communication and care, reaching Veterans where they live and thrive. VA is leading efforts nationwide to understand suicide risk factors, develop evidence-based strategies and identify and care for Veterans who may be at risk for suicide.

“The National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide is more than a strategic plan — it’s a call to action,” said Dr. Carolyn Clancy, executive in charge of VA’s Veterans Health Administration. “Only about half of the approximately 20 million Veterans in the U.S. receive VA benefits or services. To end Veteran suicide, we need organizations across sectors to adopt the strategy’s framework and join us in delivering support to all Veterans.”

The updated 2015 state data sheets are available 

Download the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide 

Modeled after the 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and a complement to the Department of Defense Strategy for Suicide Prevention, the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide encompasses four interconnected strategic directions:

Healthy and Empowered Veterans, Families, and Communities
Clinical and Community Preventive Services
Treatment, Recovery and Support Services
Surveillance, Research and Evaluation.
“An example of VA’s efforts include a ‘Mayors Challenge’ where we work in collaboration with 8 cities –teaching local stakeholders how to develop evidence based practices for suicide prevention strategies locally,” said Dr. Keita Franklin, VHA’s Suicide Prevention Program executive director. “We have made great strides in suicide prevention by expanding existing programs and launching new ones, but we are always looking for new, innovative ways to connect Veterans with support and care – and those efforts are guided by data.”

VA and its partners are already putting this strategy into practice across a variety of initiatives. In recent months, VA has undertaken substantial new efforts, including:

Expanding the Veterans Crisis Line
Creating new cross-sector partnerships
Implementing the Joint Action Plan for Supporting Veterans During Their Transition From Uniformed Service to Civilian Life
Launching SAVE online suicide prevention training
Veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know a Veteran in crisis, should call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year at 800-273-8255 and press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or send a text message to 838255.

Reporters covering this issue are strongly encouraged to visit www.ReportingOnSuicide.org for important guidance on how to communicate about suicide.

• Dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone
• Start a confidential online chat session at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat
• Send a text message to 838255 to connect to a VA responder
• Take a self-check quiz at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/quiz
• If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis, find a facility near you
• Visit www.MilitaryCrisisLine.net if you are Active Duty, Reserve, or Guard
• Connect through chat, text, or TTY if you are deaf or hard of hearing

Learn Now

• Identify the Warning Signs
• Concerned About a Veteran? You Can Help
• Suicide and Crisis Resources
• About the Veterans Crisis Line
• Be There for Veterans

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Editor's remark

It is going to take all of us to make sure the VA, DOD and Congress change what they have been doing because it has not been working as their own numbers have shown! 

Considering that there is still debate going on over taking the "D" out of PTSD, as if that letter is worse than what caused PTSD in the first place, that is the first step.

We need to get them the message to #TakeYourLifeBack and heal.

PTSD Patrol Road Crew Needs You!

This is how we change the conversation from doom and gloom to the message of #TakeBackYourLife and heal PTSD. This is for everyone who has survived traumatic events...including me.

This is a BOGO...buy one and one will be given to a veteran or anyone who wants to join the road crew.

If you want to do a video, you get a shirt. Just link it to PTSD Patrol from your own cell phone or YouTube. It has to be positive and related to driving! Much like driving a car, we're trying to get the message across they can take control of the vehicle they live in.

If you want to just be able to open a conversation to let someone in need that you care, you get a T-shirt.

If you want to just get a T-shirt to support this cause, please donate $25 and then you get one and just bought one for the road crew.

Message me your address and the size you want. I'll send you my business cards so that you do not have to talk more than you are comfortable doing.

Also. PTSD Patrol is doing Sunday Morning Empowerment Zone videos. Be sure to check it out!

The money is going directly to my work under my tax exempt with Point Man.

Chief Navy Diver Offering hope from darkness of PTSD

Veteran who once contemplated suicide is now a Warrior Games winner
CBS News
Jeremy Bradly
July 2, 2018

"It gave me light at the end of the tunnel. It showed me that I am worth something, that I'm not alone."

Chief Navy Diver Julius McManus  

PTSD. Traumatic brain injury. Patellar tendon injured by a stingray. Years of rehabilitation, both physical and mental. These are the sacrifices Chief Navy Diver Julius McManus made while serving his country over the course of his career, for 21 years and counting.

Ask him about it, and he says he would do it all over again. "There's nothing about my service I would change," McManus says. "I've had some great opportunities with repatriation of remains — bringing missing brothers home — to combat tours where I'm supporting the guys doing the hard business, and leading my sailors. I wouldn't trade it for the world."

"I was in some dark places," McManus says. "I was looking at avenues to end my own life without causing harm to my family."

With the support of his wife and three sons, McManus says he has now come back from that dark place. He credits the camaraderie and competition he's found with other wounded service members at programs like the Warrior Games for helping change his outlook on life.

Every year since 2010, the Department of Defense's Warrior Games bring together wounded service members in a supportive and competitive environment to enhance their recovery and rehabilitation.

This year, 300 athletes from all branches of the armed forces came to the Air Force Academy for the event. CBSN brings you five stories of these "American Warriors."
read more here

Iraq War Veteran Built Memorial By Name

Iraq War veteran‘s breathtaking tribute to the fallen: ‘It’s truly amazing’
CBS 6 News
BY GREG MCQUADE
JULY 1, 2018

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- On the banks of Gregory’s Mill Pond, veteran James Howard has found a slice of heaven on earth.

“It's very, very secluded [and] kind of tucked away. That's why I love it,” Howard said. “I roll right down to the lake and take it all in. It's medicinal out here. I think it does that for many people that come visit too.”

The Iraq War veteran, who is one with nature at the pond, enjoys sharing his "happy place" with others.

“Every day I wake up and I’m just thankful,” Howard said.

As a result, twice a month, Howard welcomes veterans from McGuire VA Medical Center as an escape through his non-profit, Veterans and Athletes United.

But Howard always dreamed of building an addition. Not a pool or man cave, but something more meaningful dedicated to those who will never have a chance to visit.

“It was extremely powerful to go down there and see it for the first time,” Howard said.

The new 28-foot Fallen Heroes Memorial has been a dream of Howard's for four years.

The memorial, funded and built by veterans and volunteer groups, honors the 6,941 service members killed in the War on Terror.
read more here

Army veteran killed by lightning in Florida

This Army Veteran Was Killed By A Lightning Strike Right Before His Friend’s Eyes
TAMPA BAY TIMES
By TONY MARRERO
July 1, 2018

“People need to take storms seriously and seek shelter immediately. I never thought this would happen but it has, and it was a horrific experience that will never leave me.”

As the rain poured, Karen Zannone’s new friend turned around and flashed a smile.

Zannone and James Barton had spent hours at the beach Sunday before the storm moved in. Now they were hustling back to Barton’s car, but neither minded the refreshing dousing.

“I remember him looking into my eyes and saying, ‘This is so great, I love the rain,’?” Zannone recalled. “I said, ‘I love the rain, too.’ We were definitely hurrying up to get back, but he was very happy.”

“He said the water was clear and beautiful and he had a great time,” Zannone said.

She grabbed her bag and they started the long trek to the car. About 10 minutes later, the sky opened wider.

They kept walking.

“I’m not afraid of storms and neither is James, so we weren’t thinking about it in a fearful way even though it was really, really bad,” said Zannone, a Florida resident since 1989.

“I’m beating myself up about why I didn’t say, ‘Let’s just go find shelter.’?”
read more here

Navy Veteran Postal Employee Lost Life Breaking Up Fight

Man Killed By Armed PSU Officers Had Valid Concealed Carry Permit
OPB
by Ericka Cruz Guevarra
June 30, 2018

Washington was a Navy veteran and an employee with the United States Postal Service since 1998. He worked with the collections unit as a letter carrier at the main office in downtown Portland, where he also served as the union shop steward.

Keyaira Smith, who filmed the encounter, told OPB that Washington was "trying to be a good Samaritan."

Jason Erik Washington, the man killed by armed Portland State University officers early Friday morning, had a valid concealed carry permit at the time of his death.

Two of Washington’s colleagues and at least one witness say Washington, 45, was black.

Keyaira Smith, a witness who took video of the moments leading up to Washington’s death, told OPB that he was “trying to be a good Samaritan” by breaking up a fight.

Video footage shows what appears to be a black object attached to Washington’s right side as he’s seen pulling one man off another. Two PSU police officers can also be seen.

“The gun slipped out of the holster when he had fallen, and I think he may have tried to retrieve it,” Smith said. “Then they said ‘gun.’”

That’s when police fired, she said.
read more here

31% of known veterans committing suicide were Vietnam Veterans

Veterans Administration: Efforts continue to reduce vets' suicides
TRIB Live
JOE NAPSHA
June 28, 2018

“It is going to take a lot of public knowledge to educate people to get the care they need. We must focus on identifying the risks,” said McGraw, noting the VA does publicize its crisis services.

Despite their efforts to reach out and help veterans in crisis, the suicide rate among veterans remains about 20 a day, said a Veterans Affairs official in Pittsburgh.

“It's very disturbing. We want to make sure we do all we can to save a life. It's going to take a community to do that,” said Karin McGraw, medical center director for the VA in Pittsburgh, told about 30 veterans Wednesday.

They were gathered at the American Legion Post No. 344 in Jeannette for one of a series of town hall meetings the VA is holding in Western Pennsylvania to discuss the services the agency provides veterans.

“It is going to take a lot of public knowledge to educate people to get the care they need. We must focus on identifying the risks,” said McGraw, noting the VA does publicize its crisis services.

The VA has learned that more than one-half of the veterans who have committed suicide never got intervention from the VA for the available care, McGraw said.

They can phone the VA or go online to receive assistance, regardless of their discharge status or whether they are currently enrolled in the VA medical system, McGraw said.

“We're trying to maximize social media,” McGraw said.

The suicide rate among middle-age and older adult vets remain high, with about 65 percent of all veterans who committed suicide in 2014 age 50 or older. About 31 percent of the suicides were committed by Vietnam War-era veterans.
read more here

UK Veterans support group shut down by Facebook?

Veterans warn suicidal soldiers' lives are being put at risk as Facebook blocks 'cry for help' site for British troops battling combat stress
Daily Mail UK
By MARK NICOL FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY
30 June 2018

Facebook deleted Fill Your Boots UK after saying content violated guidelines Page was set up to help soldiers and veterans with Post traumatic stress disorder But social media platform still hosted a jihadi propaganda page free to view

Facebook has shut down a page used by desperate soldiers seeking support for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – leading to fears it is putting lives at risk.

Soldiers suffering from combat induced traumas after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan would post ‘cries for help’ on the page on an almost daily basis according to its founder, ex-paratrooper Alfie Usher. Stock image

The social media giant closed Fill Your Boots UK (FYB UK) after claiming its content, which included discussions with mentally ill soldiers who were considering ending their lives, breached ‘community’ guidelines.

Soldiers suffering from combat induced traumas after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan would post ‘cries for help’ on the page on an almost daily basis according to its founder, ex-paratrooper Alfie Usher.

FYB UK would then issue SOS messages, asking other veterans to rush to their aid.

But last week the page was dramatically shut down without warning after an exchange of messages between Mr Usher and a former soldier who threatened to kill himself in reaction to the deaths of two of his soldiers who were blown up by Taliban bombs in Afghanistan.
read more here

Tribute to Desert Storm Marines Painted Over!

Property Owner Paints Over Deep Ellum Mural Depicting U.S. Marines
NBC DWF 5 News
By Cory Smith
Jun 29, 2018

The mural depicted a group of U.S. Marines in Desert Storm. The group is standing in a circle with a large American flag in the background watching a soldier break dance.

In Deep Ellum, murals are more than works of art, they're part of the community's story.

"This is our way of communicating, our way of expressing ourselves," said local artist Preston Pannek.

On Friday Pannek felt like a piece of that story was erased when the mural he worked tirelessly to paint on a wall outside the Green Room was covered up with black paint.

Neighborhood residents and artists are outraged.

The building is owned by Westdale. Pannek called Friday to find out why it was covered and said he spoke with a the property manager.

"Right off the bat he was extremely rude and said 'It's gone. There is nothing I can do about it,'" said Pannek.

read more here

PTSD Patrol filling up with hopefulness

PTSD Patrol hope on a tank full
PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos

July 1, 2018

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 New International Version (NIV)

Yesterday out at the Orlando Nam Knights, Tony "NK Jeans" Johnson wanted to know why I was so against the "awareness" raisers. The answer is a simply one. It does not give hope to those searching for it.

 When people say "it is just a number" they show they did not take enough interest to know, the known number represents people and were not just a number that is easy to remember.

We need to change the conversation into what will stop them from being stuck with an empty tank of hopelessness and fill them up with hopefulness!

I explained the difference between what is actually known and what is just assumed. The point of this effort is to change from awareness that people are committing suicide into what will help them want to live! That begins with knowledge of what PTSD is, what being a survivor is, and the power behind the simple fact that they can heal if they work at it!
read more here