DMVA Delivers Message of Hope During National Suicide Prevention Month
The Pennsylvania Governor’s Challenge Team to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans and their Families continues to work with federal, state and local government entities and a strong cadre of community partners to address the incidence of suicide within the commonwealth. The DMVA is the Pennsylvania Governor’s Challenge team lead.
During the month of September, DMVA has taken advantage of its social media platforms and requests to do interviews on the topic of suicide prevention. By talking freely about suicide, we hope to increase awareness of those tragic deaths and then work to reduce the stigma associated with death by suicide.
Suicide survivors and families of those who died by suicide need not feel guilt or shame; rather we hope to reassure these survivors and offer resources that can help them as they navigate their own mental and behavioral health challenges.
We are able to help connect survivors with resources in the communities where they live and we encourage people to reach out to us for assistance. During the month of September, we took special care to highlight suicide prevention, but our teams here at DMVA work hard to prevent suicide every day.
Remember, you are not alone. “Reach Out” for help and if you are close to someone who is experiencing a suicidal ideation, “Be There” for them. Listen, be supportive and do everything you can to get them help. The new 988 Crisis Line is available throughout the commonwealth; if you are a service member or veteran dial 988 then press 1 to be directed to a counselor who is trained to listen and assist military personnel and veterans.
For more information on the Governor’s Challenge: