Wounded Warrior Project and LivingWorks Collaborate on Suicide Prevention Initiatives
In a collaborative effort, the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) partnered with LivingWorks at the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) conference to address the crucial issue of veteran suicides. The session titled "Building Suicide-Safe Communities" highlighted the significance of adopting a community-focused approach to mitigate suicide risks faced by post-9/11 military families.
During the conference, team members from WWP, including Lindsey Gray and Eileen Chapman, presented alongside Alan Mednick from LivingWorks Education. Their discussion aimed to raise awareness about the pressing challenges veterans encounter and the importance of creating supportive environments. Angie Peacock, an Army veteran, shared her personal experiences with the audience, joined by her service dog, Raider, as a comforting presence. Another Army veteran, Tina Waggener, also recounted her story, further amplifying the voices of veterans amidst the discussion facilitated by WWP.
The presentation stressed the urgency of collaboration between mental health professionals and community stakeholders to foster shared responsibilities for suicide prevention. LivingWorks, a leader in evidence-based suicide intervention training, brings decades of experience in equipping individuals and organizations with the necessary tools to identify and respond to suicide risks.
A pivotal aspect of the session was the introduction of WWP's Suicide Protocol. This initiative aims to recognize veterans categorized as low to moderate suicide risks, allowing for preemptive measures to support them before they reach a crisis point. Lindsey Gray, the suicide prevention manager at WWP, emphasized, "When we involve communities and educate them about suicide risk, we can create safer environments for more than just the warriors we serve. Protecting against suicide is something everyone can learn to do."
Statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs reveal a staggering reality: veterans face a suicide rate that is approximately 72% higher than non-veteran adults in the United States, after controlling for factors like age and gender. The latest WWP Warrior Survey indicates that nearly one in three veterans reported experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past year, underscoring the critical need for effective interventions.
To delve deeper into the subject, WWP facilitated a panel discussion incorporating viewpoints from veterans who have encountered suicidal ideation, alongside mental health advocates. This segment aimed to present practical strategies to reduce stigma and enhance the accessibility of gender-sensitive support systems.
Notably, among post-9/11 female veterans surveyed by WWP, nearly 30% indicated they have experienced suicidal thoughts. This troubling statistic is often linked to various compounding factors, including military sexual trauma and limited access to mental health care that is attuned to women's specific needs.
The AAS conference, held from March 30 to April 4 in Columbus, Ohio, served as a platform for crucial discussions on suicide prevention within the veteran community. To those who may feel overwhelmed or in need of support, resources are readily available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling 988, or individuals may contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "TALK" to 741741. For further assistance and resources, WWP encourages individuals to visit their dedicated page at woundedwarriorproject.org/preventsuicide.
Founded in 2003, Wounded Warrior Project is committed to addressing the expansive needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers, empowering them to pursue their highest aspirations. For deeper insights into their initiatives, please refer to their official site.
During the conference, team members from WWP, including Lindsey Gray and Eileen Chapman, presented alongside Alan Mednick from LivingWorks Education. Their discussion aimed to raise awareness about the pressing challenges veterans encounter and the importance of creating supportive environments. Angie Peacock, an Army veteran, shared her personal experiences with the audience, joined by her service dog, Raider, as a comforting presence. Another Army veteran, Tina Waggener, also recounted her story, further amplifying the voices of veterans amidst the discussion facilitated by WWP.
The presentation stressed the urgency of collaboration between mental health professionals and community stakeholders to foster shared responsibilities for suicide prevention. LivingWorks, a leader in evidence-based suicide intervention training, brings decades of experience in equipping individuals and organizations with the necessary tools to identify and respond to suicide risks.
A pivotal aspect of the session was the introduction of WWP's Suicide Protocol. This initiative aims to recognize veterans categorized as low to moderate suicide risks, allowing for preemptive measures to support them before they reach a crisis point. Lindsey Gray, the suicide prevention manager at WWP, emphasized, "When we involve communities and educate them about suicide risk, we can create safer environments for more than just the warriors we serve. Protecting against suicide is something everyone can learn to do."
Statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs reveal a staggering reality: veterans face a suicide rate that is approximately 72% higher than non-veteran adults in the United States, after controlling for factors like age and gender. The latest WWP Warrior Survey indicates that nearly one in three veterans reported experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past year, underscoring the critical need for effective interventions.
To delve deeper into the subject, WWP facilitated a panel discussion incorporating viewpoints from veterans who have encountered suicidal ideation, alongside mental health advocates. This segment aimed to present practical strategies to reduce stigma and enhance the accessibility of gender-sensitive support systems.
Notably, among post-9/11 female veterans surveyed by WWP, nearly 30% indicated they have experienced suicidal thoughts. This troubling statistic is often linked to various compounding factors, including military sexual trauma and limited access to mental health care that is attuned to women's specific needs.
The AAS conference, held from March 30 to April 4 in Columbus, Ohio, served as a platform for crucial discussions on suicide prevention within the veteran community. To those who may feel overwhelmed or in need of support, resources are readily available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling 988, or individuals may contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "TALK" to 741741. For further assistance and resources, WWP encourages individuals to visit their dedicated page at woundedwarriorproject.org/preventsuicide.
Founded in 2003, Wounded Warrior Project is committed to addressing the expansive needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers, empowering them to pursue their highest aspirations. For deeper insights into their initiatives, please refer to their official site.
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