521 | Understanding and Preventing Veteran Suicide

The 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report provides critical insight into trends, risk factors, and effective prevention strategies that can enhance faith-based mental health care for Veterans. By examining key findings from the report, faith-based psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medical personnel, and ministry leaders can better understand the demographics, mental health challenges, and social determinants influencing Veteran suicide rates. In this workshop, participants will gain the ability to identify risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors related to Veteran suicide, and apply prevention strategies tailored to their needs. Participants will recognize high-risk groups, unique drivers of risk, and barriers to seeking help to enable medical and mental health professionals to offer more effective support. Furthermore, faith-based approaches, combined with evidence-based prevention strategies, can foster hope, belonging, and resilience among Veterans. Additionally, participants will access and utilize key VA suicide prevention resources, such as the Veteran’s Crisis Line at 988, press 1, to assist Veterans in crisis. By understanding the data, participants can address early warning signs and create a supportive environment, playing a crucial role in suicide prevention efforts.