The North Dakota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs is challenging all Organization Leaders in North Dakota to accept the challenge of ensuring their members take the S.A.V.E. training to help prevent veteran suicides.
"The military along with many other organizations provide First Aid training to its members. First Aid training saves lives in Medical Emergencies, S.A.V.E. training saves lives in Behavior Health Emergencies".
This challenge involves only two steps (about 25 minutes of your time).
First step: Add the below contact information to your phone so you are prepared to help
CONTACT NAME: SAVE
PHONE: 800-273-8255 (24 hour suicide lifeline) press 1 for veterans
WEBSITE: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
TEXT: 838-255 to chat
IM: veteranscrisisline.net/chat
Second step: Register and take the 23 minute online training
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https://psycharmor.org/sign-up/ndsave/?gid=351472&unDaDziBt7dbY (requires sign in)
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or on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JxUlIaHNwUQ ( No sign in required)
The S.A.V.E. video was a collaborative effort between the Veterans Administration and PsychArmor Institute, designed to empower viewers with the basic knowledge of what the signs may be for someone who is struggling with the thoughts of suicide and it provides ideas on how to help. While the video refers to Veterans, the principles are universal, so let's make a difference in North Dakota with S.A.V.E.!!
- Organizations can request in person training: https://www.fargo.va.gov/services/Suicide_Prevention_Program.asp
- Report completed in person training to: NDCares@nd.gov
Accept the Challenge: Email NDCares@nd.gov
More information:
VA recently launched the S.A.V.E. online suicide prevention training video in collaboration with PsychArmor Institute, a national nonprofit providing online education and support to those who work with, live with, or care for Service members, Veterans, and military and Veteran families. S.A.V.E. — which stands for “Signs,” “Ask,” “Validate,” and “Encourage” and “Expedite” — offers simple steps that anyone can take when talking with Veterans who are at risk for suicide.
The ND Department of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with First Link, NDCARES, ND National Guard and the Federal VA in Fargo are challenging all entities in ND to encourage its employees and members to take the time to participate in this challenge.
Statistics: VA National Suicide Data Report 2005-2016 and VA.GOV
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