Free suicide prevention training for all

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.

If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

Suicide Prevention Month raises awareness about Veteran suicide each year. News and social media feeds are filled with resources and reminders to connect, protective factors and upstream solutions. This is important work, but it shouldn't be limited to one month a year.

Each of us has the power to make a difference in the life of a Veteran at risk.

A 2023 report from VA states the need for a "whole of nation" public health approach to Veteran suicide prevention (2023 National Suicide Prevention Annual Report). This community-based model relies on training anyone and everyone on how to recognize a Veteran in crisis, and providing the Veteran with safe, effective resources and support.

Anyone can help save a life

PsychArmor offers suicide prevention courses designed specifically for military and Veteran communities. Some of us are trusted messengers for a Veteran as family members, caregivers and friends that know firsthand about moments of crisis. Others are part of the community network that interacts with Veterans in their daily lives. Whether you are part of a Veteran's inner circle or a casual acquaintance, PsychArmor has training for you. PsychArmor's Suicide Prevention portfolio includes more than 20 courses and all are free to individual learners. With PsychArmor training, you can learn how to talk about suicide in a safe and effective manner, sharing both hope and resources.

Start with VA S.A.V.E.

A great place to begin training is with VA S.A.V.E. Developed in collaboration with VA, this 18-minute course will teach you how to identify a Veteran at risk and how to help them. The course includes role-playing examples of safe and effective messaging. Find VA S.A.V.E. at psycharmor.org or read about it on VA's website.

Psycharmor offers more than 20 additional courses, including Crisis Response Planning and a new series on Lethal Means Safety and safe storage of firearms, a top suicide prevention priority for Veterans. Jointly narrated by people from different cultures-including Veterans, non-Veterans, gun owners and clinical psychologists-this course aims to reduce the hesitation we can feel talking to Veterans about their firearms.

Collaborating to save lives

PsychArmor also works with a broad range of partners to create custom training options to meet the needs of each of their specific communities, and ensuring culturally sensitive, responsive and effective training is available through their platforms and sites.

Whether you want to Face the Fight or Be The One, stand The Fire Watch or make your Objective Zero, PsychArmor will be by your side, providing suicide prevention training designed specifically for military and Veteran populations.

You have the ability to save a life.

Log on today at www.psycharmor.org to take the first step toward learning how to support a Veteran in crisis.

If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

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