#United States #Veteran suicide #Cohen Veterans Network #Stamford, Connecticut #Lethal Means Safety

Cohen Veterans Network Study on Lethal Means Safety

Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a renowned not-for-profit organization focused on mental health support for veterans, recently announced a groundbreaking research initiative backed by Face the Fight. This study seeks to improve the communication surrounding lethal means safety (LMS) to effectively mitigate the rising issue of veteran suicides.

Understanding Lethal Means Safety

Lethal means safety is a critical aspect of suicide prevention strategies aiming to promote the secure storage and accessibility of firearms and other methods that can be used in suicide attempts. Statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs show that firearms are the primary method of suicide among veterans, accounting for more than 70% of these tragic deaths. The CVN's research aims to create effective messaging that resonates with veterans and service members.

Importance of the Research

This research is pivotal as it lays the groundwork for a new toolkit dedicated to providing practical, evidence-based strategies for engaging veterans in discussions about LMS. Many veterans feel hesitant to approach the subject due to concerns regarding privacy, stigma, and access restrictions. By identifying what messaging effectively engages this demographic, the study hopes to alleviate these barriers.

Dr. Anthony Hassan, President and CEO of CVN, emphasized the importance of this project, noting that “engaging veterans in effective, collaborative conversations about lethal means safety is vital for saving lives.” The toolkit produced from this research will be made available for free to those in the suicide prevention community.

How the Study Will Work

The study plans to conduct a survey with 500 military-affiliated individuals to gauge the impact of various firearm safety messages. Through rigorous evaluation, CVN aims to determine strategies that resonate best with veterans. The objective is to formulate adaptable, culturally responsive approaches that clinicians and others can use when discussing lethal means safety.

Supported by Face the Fight, this initiative is part of a broader investment in enhancing community-driven suicide prevention measures, having received significant funding aimed at supporting veterans at risk across diverse platforms. Chris Ford, representing Face the Fight, stated, “This collaboration is a step towards filling a significant gap in suicide prevention efforts.”

CVN's Broader Impact

Since its establishment in 2016, the Cohen Veterans Network has been a cornerstone resource for veterans, helping over 94,000 clients and offering nearly 856,000 sessions to address various mental health challenges, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The network's environmental focus stresses the importance of mental wellness and encourages veterans to seek help when needed.

Notably, previous successful initiatives funded by Face the Fight include training programs aimed at enhancing clinicians’ abilities to handle LMS conversations. CVN's previous SDK toolkit for suicide risk stratification has also garnered considerable attention in the field.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this pioneering research by Cohen Veterans Network is essential not just for its potential to directly influence the discourse around lethal means safety, but also for its broader implications in improving the mental health landscape for veterans. Through meaningful conversations and innovative tools, CVN aims to create supportive environments where veterans feel empowered to take proactive steps towards their safety and well-being. As the study unfolds, it will contribute significantly to the ongoing battle against veteran suicide, cementing the commitment of CVN and its partners in making a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country.