Task Force for Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Our Veterans Task Force for Mental Health was established to address the critical issue of veteran suicide, a concern that affects not only our veterans but also their families and our entire community.

Our mission is to partner with local organizations and individuals to help prevent suicide. We aim to increase communication between organizations, first responders, and veterans, and to enhance connections to care. Additionally, we strive to reduce stigma and raise awareness of the unique challenges our veterans face.

Our journey began with the initiative of Jennifer Kelley, the Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center, who reached out to initiate the development of Veteran Suicide Prevention coalitions in the community.

This led to our first meeting in January 2023, where representatives from various local organizations came together to address the alarming trends in veteran suicide. We learned that veterans are approximately 50% more likely to die by suicide, with about 80% of these deaths involving firearms.

We have committed to meeting monthly and working to build a strong coalition. Our efforts are guided by the key tenets that suicide is preventable, requiring community-based strategies and understanding that everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention.

The Veterans Task Force has made significant progress. We are currently focused on improving awareness, promoting connectedness, and mutual support, with initiatives such as the Local Services and Resources Trifold, Veterans Coffee Socials, "Be The One" campaign, Mental Health First Aid, and S.A.V.E. trainings.

We also work to increase lethal means safety planning and resources to support our veterans. Together, we can make a difference and provide the support our veterans need and deserve.

To learn more about our task force or to express an interest in joining, go to www.fauquier-mha.org/vtf.