In light of Suicide Prevention Month in September, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wants to connect Veterans and their loved ones through the Be There campaign that small actions can make a big difference to Veterans experiencing difficult times.

During this month and every month, the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) remains committed to spreading awareness of suicide prevention and connecting Veterans to the resources they need.

“None of us can do this alone,” said Dr. John Jackson, TVHS Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health. “The TVHS Suicide Prevention team hosts more than five outreach events to communicate with Veterans to ensure we can reach those most vulnerable.”

Be There suggests taking simple actions that can make a difference for Veterans like:

• Learning the warning signs of suicide on the Veterans Crisis Line website.
• Watching the S.A.V.E. training video to learn how to respond with care and compassion if someone indicates they are having thoughts of suicide.
• Reaching out to the Veterans in your life to show them you care by sending a text, cooking dinner or simply asking, “How are you?” 

Additionally, the TVHS Suicide Prevention team is hosting a Facebook LIVE on Thursday, September 10 at 2 p.m. CT to share available resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.  

TVHS is an integrated tertiary health care system comprised of two hospitals, the Alvin C. York Campus in Murfreesboro and the Nashville Campus, as well as more than a dozen community-based outpatient clinics located in Tennessee and Kentucky. TVHS provides ambulatory care, primary care, and secondary care in acute medicine and surgery, specialized tertiary care, transplant services, spinal cord injury outpatient care, and a full range of extended care and mental health services.