Building Community Support for Veterans in Crisis

VCOE partners with Portland VA to launch suicide prevention education series

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Veterans Center of Excellence (VCOE) kicked off its “Awareness to Action: Suicide Prevention is Everybody’s Business” workshop series in collaboration with the Portland VA Suicide Prevention Team. The session was presented by Ashley Taylor, Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator for the Suicide Prevention Team, and Cindy Tanner, COMPACT Act Coordinator for the Portland VA. The workshop provided an overview of veteran suicide and the national strategy for preventing veteran suicide, as well as information about the COMPACT Act. 

The idea for the series originated with Hilary Bruton, a Master of Social Work (MSW) intern at the VCOE—Hilary noted the importance of this work not only within the veteran community, but across all communities. 

Understanding Veteran Suicide

Ashley began the training by sharing current suicide rates in the general population and within the U.S. Veteran community, emphasizing that suicide is a complex issue with no single cause. Risk and protective factors both play a part in how successful suicide prevention can be. The goal, she explained, is to minimize risk factors while boosting protective factors.  

Veterans who die by suicide often share certain risk characteristics, including homelessness, health problems, and pain. While the civilian suicide rate has been increasing, veteran suicide rates are even higher than those of civilians. Improving services for veterans strengthens support systems for entire communities.  

The VA’s national strategy for preventing veteran suicide works with state and local organizations to help improve community engagement, partnerships, communication, and access to resources.

Things we can do to support suicide prevention efforts

• • Use Lifeline 988. The free 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects people in crisis with trained counselors. Calls and texts are free, confidential, and judgment-free. Specific services are available for veterans and military affiliates, Spanish speakers, and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. 
  • Practice secure storage of firearms and medication. In a crisis, creating time and distance between a person and lethal means can prevent irreversible decisions. Free cable locks are available at each workshop in the series.
  • Create a safety plan. Safety planning and mental health apps, including “Safety Plan,” can help people identify coping strategies and sources of support. A safety plan can provide structure during moments of crisis, allowing suicidal thoughts time to decrease and become more manageable.

The COMPACT Act

Cindy led the second half of the workshop, focusing on the Veterans’ Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment (COMPACT) Act of 2020, which can provide financial coverage for emergency suicide care. The act is intended to increase veterans’ access to emergency care by covering costs associated with suicidal crisis, including emergency care and, in some cases, in- or outpatient treatment. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA Healthcare to qualify. Learn more by contacting the Portland VA office at (503) 402-2857.

Attend an Upcoming Workshop in the Series

These sessions are valuable not only for the veteran or military-affiliated community but also for all communities.

Lethal Means Safety: Safe Storage of Firearms and Medications 

Tuesday, March 17, 3–4 p.m. GHL 213 or via Zoom* 

Learn why and how increasing the time and distance between a person in suicidal crisis and their access to lethal means can reduce suicide risk and save lives. 

Safety Plans: When and How to Have One 

Tuesday, April 1, 3–4 p.m. GHL 213 or via Zoom* 

Review how to create a Safety Plan. A Safety Plan can help identify personal coping strategies and sources of support, giving suicidal thoughts time to decrease and become more manageable. During a crisis, it can be hard to think clearly. 

Postvention: Support for After a Suicide 

Tuesday, May 12, 3–4 p.m. GHL 213 or via Zoom* 

Suicide prevention is a commonly used and understood term. However, not everyone recognizes suicide postvention. Suicide postvention builds upon prevention efforts by providing immediate and ongoing support to those impacted by a suicide loss and is critical for healing after suicide. 

* If you are interested in obtaining the Zoom link to attend virtually, please email kaiello@clark.edu.

About Clark's Veterans Center of Excellence

The Clark College Veterans Center of Excellence is dedicated to making Clark College the first choice for veterans, active duty, and military-affiliated students. The center engages, supports, and empowers students to achieve their educational and professional goals by coordinating comprehensive services that address academic, financial, physical, and social needs. Offerings include tutoring, academic supplies, quiet study spaces, a computer lab with printers, practical workshops, and more. Learn more at Veterans Center of Excellence (clark.edu). 

Story by Kelly Aiello, VCOE Program Coordinator