#United States #Stamford #Cohen Veterans Network #Military Women #Have Her Six

Cohen Veterans Network's New Suicide Prevention Initiative

In a pivotal move to combat the rising suicide rates among military women, the Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) has launched the "Have Her Six" campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by women veterans and provide practical support strategies.

The Challenge Facing Military Women

Women who serve in the U.S. military experience unique pressures that significantly impact their mental health. Disturbing statistics reveal that women veterans face a suicide rate that is 92 percent higher than their civilian counterparts. This alarming trend becomes even more worrisome when considering data from 2022, which showed that they were 144 percent more likely to die by firearm suicide.

CVN recognizes the inadequacies in traditional suicide prevention strategies, which often overlook the distinct circumstances that military women encounter. With over 2 million women veterans currently in the U.S., it is crucial that mental health efforts are tailored specifically to address their unique needs.

What is "Have Her Six"?

The phrase "I've got your back" encapsulates the essence of the military camaraderie reflected in the name of this campaign. Launched in September during Suicide Prevention Month, "Have Her Six" serves not only to spread awareness but also to furnish military women with tools and strategies to combat suicidal ideation.

Dr. Anthony Hassan, president and CEO of CVN, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "Every day, Cohen Veterans Network is dedicated to providing women veterans and service members with high-quality, accessible mental health care tailored to their unique needs." The campaign intends to extend its support far beyond the clinics, empowering individuals with the knowledge necessary to save lives.

Key Components of the Campaign

1. #HaveHerSix Video Series: Featuring real stories and tailored suicide prevention strategies shared by women veterans and advocates.
2. Have Her Six Minutes to Reduce Her Risk: An interactive online tool designed to offer immediate suicide prevention strategies and advice on lethal means safety.
3. Military Women Resource Hub: This hub will serve as a comprehensive source of information, resources, and support for military service members, veterans, and their communities.

The campaign draws upon research and insights from CVN's earlier work, specifically its Lethal Means Counseling toolkit for Military-Affiliated Women, which identifies rising suicide rates and actions recommended for mitigating these risks.

Collaborative Efforts for Impact

Justin Schmitt, AVP of Corporate Impact at USAA, emphasized the need for collective action in this mission. He remarked, "Suicide prevention requires collective action. We are grateful to support the 'Have Her Six' campaign, which empowers military women and their support networks to take meaningful steps toward prevention."

CVN has been at the forefront of providing care for over 89,000 clients since its beginning in 2016. Interestingly, women account for 32 percent of its active duty and veteran clientele—double the proportion of female veterans nationwide. CVN offers treatment for a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, PTSD, anxiety, and relationship challenges, available either in-person at one of its 22 clinics across 20 states or via CVN Telehealth sessions.

A Movement Towards Change

The "Have Her Six" campaign is a vital step towards addressing the urgent issue of mental health among military women. As CVN continues to foster an environment of understanding, support, and action, it ultimately seeks to ensure no woman veteran feels isolated in her struggles. For more information, you can visit their official website at cohenveteransnetwork.org/HaveHerSix.

Let us rally together to advocate for those who have served, ensuring they receive the comprehensive care that all veterans deserve.