September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WSVA) invites you to join their efforts to inspire care and hope among service members, Veterans and their families.

The theme this year, “Speak Up, Save Lives”, encourages the public to come together and support those who may be struggling. Talking about suicide can address the need to dismantle barriers to wellness such as stigma, fear and judgment, according to Veterans Affairs press release.

The Washington State Department of Health reported 211 deaths by suicide among veterans in 2024, with 75% of those deaths caused by use of firearms and almost 12% by means of suffocation.

Suicide is a public health crisis and can be prevented. The Veterans Crisis Line is free and confide

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