S.A.V.E.: VA Suicide Prevention Training

Date: March 16th
Time: 6 PM
Location: Mid-Plains Community College Valentine, NE

General description of course:Suicide Prevention training. The program is called SAVE. Recognizing the Signs, Asking “the question,” Validating their feelings, and Encouraging help.

Instructor contact information-Mark Urban Mark.urban@va.gov . (605)431-7314.

Cost: FREE

REGISTRATION: MID PLAINS COMMUNITY COLLEGE 402-376-8033

1. Brief overview of suicide in the veteran population

2. Suicide myths and misinformation

3. Risk factors for suicide

4. Components of the S.A.V.E. model (Signs of suicide, Asking about suicide, Validating feelings, Encouraging help and Expediting treatment)

Sometimes, a crisis may involve thoughts of suicide. Learn to recognize these warning signs:

· Hopelessness; feeling like there’s no way out

· Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings

· Feeling like there is no reason to live

· Rage or anger

· Engaging in risky activities without thinking

· Increasing alcohol or drug misuse

· Withdrawing from family and friends

The presence of the following signs requires immediate attention:

· Thinking about hurting or killing yourself

· Looking for ways to kill yourself

· Talking about death, dying, or suicide

· Self-destructive behavior such as drug misuse, carelessly handling weapons, etc.

If you or the Veteran in your life is feeling depressed, anxious, hopeless, or as if life has no purpose, but is not in immediate danger, we encourage you to:

· Visit VeteransCrisisLine.net to learn about support that is available to you.

· Use our resource locator to discover the suicide prevention resources in your area, including VA medical centers and Suicide Prevention Coordinators.

· Visit MakeTheConnection.net to hear from Veterans and their family members who have coped with challenges like yours.

If you are a Veteran or you know a Veteran who is showing any of these signs, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text to 838255 today.