The Rapid City VA aims to stop veteran suicides through education and prevention

FAST CITY, SD (KOTA) – According to the VA in 2021191 veterans have committed suicide in South Dakota, which is why the Rapid City VA Clinic is committed to reducing this statistic through its suicide prevention program.

The program works with veterans and their families to provide them with access to lifesaving resources throughout the area, such as crisis and prevention hotlines so veterans can talk whether they are suicidal or not. For family members, the VA helps educate them on how to recognize the signs of depression, as well as how to prevent easy access to firearms, poisons or other means by which people most often attempt suicide.

Suicide prevention program coordinator Jodie Smith says it’s not only important to save veterans’ lives. but so that veterans can feel comfortable asking for help.

“We connect shoulder to shoulder, but the most important thing is that they don’t have to wait and reach out. Just let someone know you are struggling, maybe another veteran or a community member. Our goal is to provide education everywhere so that we can help every veteran in every community,” Smith said.

Smith says the VA is currently hosting a Governor’s Challenge that focuses on data, education and training, nonprofits and communications in rural communities to best help veterans in need. For more information about the VA Suicide Prevention Program click here.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or the BeThe1To Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

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