Be the light: Crisis line and resources to prevent suicide and create hope through action

Take time to reach out to someone to show you care and give them hope: be the light that could change the course of their life. Join the Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board in supporting World Suicide Prevention Day September 10, 2021 to raise awareness, reduce stigma and share information to help veterans in crisis. 

"With all of the pressures due to the pandemic, suicide prevention programs are more important than ever," noted Richard Raymond, suicide prevention coordinator for the Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board. "September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. If you or someone you know are in crisis, please use the resources available to you. The Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board is committed to reducing suicide among veterans in Kitsap County."

September is Suicide Prevention Month nationwide. Suicide is a national public health issue that affects everyone. Through the Veterans Crisis Line, Veterans in crisis and their families and friends can call, text, or chat to connect with caring VA responders. This is free and confidential, open 24/. Responders are qualified to deal with any immediate crisis. Visit www.veteranscrisisline.net to learn more about signs of crisis and other resources available.

If you are in crisis and need to speak with a crisis responder, please call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255.

In addition to the Veterans Crisis Line, Veterans Affairs offers a network of support and mental health resources for all Veterans and their families and friends. To learn more about the issue of Veteran suicide as well as VA mental health resources, please visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov.

Veterans and their loved ones also can visit MakeTheConnection.net to explore information on mental health issues and hear stories from Veterans who have faced challenges including post-traumatic stress disorder, substance-use problems, transitioning from service, and more.

The Kitsap County Department of Human Services maintains a suicide prevention and resource website that provides local information, resources and other crisis and chat lines available for anyone who needs help including the elderly, youth and their families.

To learn more about the Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program, Veterans Advisory Board and other resources, including emergency funding available to local Veterans and their families, go to kcowa.us/veterans.