How do we end veteran suicide?

VA Health Care System director requests community support

By Pam Crowell, Sheridan VA Health Care System Director
Posted 2/19/19

Veteran suicide a solvable problem

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How do we end veteran suicide?

VA Health Care System director requests community support

Posted

Do you know a veteran? Chances are — especially here in Wyoming — you do. That’s because according to the Census Bureau, there are 50,852 veterans in Wyoming, with a total population of 579,315. So almost one in 10 Wyomingites are veterans. These men and women are friends, family and coworkers; they operate businesses in our towns and they shop the same places we do. 

So why do I point this out? Because, statistically, some of them are in crisis. In fact, you’ve likely heard that 20 veterans commit suicide each day. Out of those, 14 are not enrolled in VA health care, so we don’t have a connection to them.

But you do. And you might be the person who can be there for them. Does that intimidate you? That’s OK, because many people are scared to reach out to someone who is in crisis. But I want you to know you are not alone.

Do you have your cellphone near you right now? Please take it out and put in the Veterans Crisis Line information: 

• Call: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

• Text: 838255

• Web: www.VeteransCrisisLine.net

The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24/7, confidential resource for not only veterans, but also for the friends and family of veterans. That means if you know a veteran who you think is in crisis, you can use the Veterans Crisis Line to get help.

Don’t think you need to save it? Please ask yourself why that is, because if it’s that you think you won’t ever need it, I hope you don’t. But, if you do, won’t the seconds right now to enter it be priceless?

Thank you for helping our Veterans.