The Northwest Pennsylvania (NW PA) Veteran Suicide Prevention Program operates on a three-pronged approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and Veterans and their families in the 15 counties of NW PA. As June is PTSD Awareness Month, we are sharing information about VA’s resources for connecting women Veterans to counseling and services. Women Veterans may have unique experiences related to military service. Their health and wellbeing and exposure to trauma can increase the risk of suicide. Some also face medical and social issues that affect relationships and quality of life.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about publicizing the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program in your community, please reach out to us.
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Suicide is preventable and support is available
Suicide has no single cause and no one approach can end it, but prevention is possible, especially when women Veterans find support before a crisis happens. Military service can lead to readjustment issues, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trouble sleeping or even physical injury. Additionally, reproductive health conditions that women Veterans sometimes face may take a toll on their mental health.
VA is committed to offering a growing range of resources and a network of support for all women Veterans, including those who do not and may never seek care with VA.
Connecting women Veterans to counseling and services
Whether it’s mental health care or treatment for chronic pain or other health concerns, VA can provide personalized, gender-tailored care to help women Veterans. Each VA medical center also has a suicide prevention coordinator to connect women Veterans to counseling and services. Call 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636) to speak to a real person and connect to VA women’s health care.
Creating a safety plan by identifying coping strategies and sources of support can help give suicidal thoughts time to decrease and become more manageable in a future crisis. Download the VA Safety Plan app or create one together with your VA health care team.
The Veterans Crisis Line is free, confidential and available 24/7. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. Veterans, family and friends can reach out. Dial 988 and press 1, text 828255 or chat online. Visit the VA Women’s Health suicide prevention page for more resources.
Looking to Get Involved?
Whether you identify as a healthcare provider, community organization, or Veteran, there are several opportunities through the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program and PERU to connect to resources, participate in educational training, and promote harm reduction strategies. We are actively recruiting healthcare and community partners to work with us in meeting our goals and objectives. To learn more, visit the program website at theresilientveteran.org.
Need Help? Know Someone Who Does? Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat. Both are free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.
