According to a recent study, veterans are four times as likely to commit suicide than a non-veteran. Veterans - especially younger veterans returning from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan - made up a quarter of all Nevada's suicides from 2008-2010. Why are these numbers so high? What are soldiers dealing with when they return home? And what are we doing to help them? If you are a veteran or know a veteran, please share your story with us.
GUESTS
Dr. Luana Ritch, PhD, Chief of Health Statistics, Planning, Epidemiology, and Response, NV State Health Div
Marlyn Scholl, suicide behavior specialist in Reno, NV for Dept of Veterans Affairs
Leo Dunson, Army veteran
Joseph Odya, veteran and National Service Officer, AMVETS
VA RESOURCES
Determine eligibility for care at http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/
Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 – 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Veterans Press 1
Confidential chat @ VeteransCrisisLine.net or text to 838255
VAMC provides in-patient and out-patient mental health services. Information at www.mentalhealth.va.gov
Reno VA Medical C enter 775-786-7200
Las Vegas VA Medical Center – 702-636-3000
Vet Centers: Community based center that provide a range of counseling, outreach, and referral services. www.vetcenter.va.gov.
Make the Connection. Make the connection is a one-stop resource where veterans, families and friends can privately explore information about physical and MH sx, challenging life events, MH conditions and learn about available resources and support . www.MakeTheConnection.net
PTSD – each VA medical center has PTSD specialist who provide treatment for veterans with PTSD. For more information about PTSD and to locate the VA PTSD program nearest you visit www.ptsd.va.gov
PTSD Coach App: The PTSD Coach application allows phone users to manage their symptoms, links them with local sources of support and provides information on PTSD. Visit www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/PTSDCoach.asp
VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators: Each VA Medical Center has a suicide prevention coordinator to make sure Veterans receive needed counseling and services.
Resource locator – http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
