For Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families
Blue Star Families has developed a series of PSAs for active-duty military personnel and their families. View the entire series on BSF’s YouTube channel.
In recent years, Veteran mental health issues and the problem of Veteran suicide have come to the forefront of the public consciousness. TSPN is working with Veteran’s Administration centers across the state to address suicide prevention among Veterans, service personnel, and their families.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline supports the Veterans Crisis Line, which connects Veterans in emotional crisis with free 24/7 access to trained counselors (some of whom are former military personnel). Dial "988" on your phone and press "1" at the prompt. Alternatively, you may text 838255, or chat with a counselor online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net.
Additionally, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has a dedicated page on its website with recommendations for Veterans in crisis and links to Veteran-supporting agencies such as Military One Source, the VA Caregiver Support Program, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
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According to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, nearly 70% of Veteran suicides involve firearms. Hence, TSPN actively promotes Lethal Means Safety Training by VHA Train. This free, online self-paced course for healthcare providers demonstrates how to
discuss means safety with Veterans who are at an elevated suicide risk, along with their families.
Tool Kit
TSPN’s Veterans Suicide Prevention Task Force has also developed a toolkit of resources for loved ones, community members, and care providers in the lives of Veterans.
The Tennessee Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their families is participating with 35 other states who are taking part in working to develop and implement state-wide suicide prevention best practices for SMVF, using a public health approach. The Tennessee Governor’s Challenge is in stage four right now of the process and hopes to implement the priority areas that are listed below across the state at the end of 2021.
- Identify SMVF and Screen for Suicide Risk
- Promote Connectedness and Improve Care Transitions
- Increase Lethal Means Safety and Safety Planning
The Process:
Additional Resources:
Click here to find local Veteran resources and manage your Veteran benefits. To find your local Veterans Services Officer, click here.
Online Screening Tools:
Depression Screening
This screening mechanism is sponsored by PsyCom Depression Awareness Group, anon-profit organization.
Online Resources:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The Lifeline is a free 24/7, confidential, short-term crisis counseling line for those experiencing distress. It is a myth that 988 is only for suicidal individuals; it is available to everyone. Call, text, or chat 988 if you are overwhelmed, stressed, and need to talk with a trained counselor.
This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.