VA Medical Center Offers Training On Suicide Prevention

(KNSI) – September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and efforts to help veterans cope with mental health issues are in the spotlight.

St. Cloud VA Medical Center Community Engagement Partnerships Coordinator Laura Stumvoll says camaraderie with someone else who served is important in creating a powerful bond that heals.

“They do better coming to the VA because those who are sitting around them can relate. What I’ve learned is that there’s that subculture of being a veteran and that’s super important. And that’s actually something we promote with our suicide prevention coalitions is the connectedness to something. Whether it be to other veterans, whether it be to where you work, [or] your faith-based community.”

The St. Cloud VA Medical Center has a wealth of experience treating mental health issues, making it a knowledgeable asset regarding suicide prevention. Stumvoll says she will give a presentation on the subject to groups large and small within the 27-county district she serves, whether they are comprised of those have served in the armed forces or not.

“It’s called gatekeeper training. If you’re familiar with question, persuade, and refer, it’s similar to that. The VA’s version is SAVE. The information provided is applicable to all levels of the community. And so yes, if someone is in need of that education, I can do it virtually, I can do it in person, we can do a hybrid model.”

Stumvoll appeared Monday morning with KNSI’s Bob Hughes on the Veteran’s Affairs segment, which airs just after 8:00 on the first Monday of each month.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Veterans can call that number and press 1.

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