Veteran Suicide Prevention Training for Lay Community Members
There is an average of 16.8 veteran suicide deaths per day, which is 1.5 times the rate for non-Veteran adults (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2019). This is a topic that I’m very passionate about because it is something I have experienced first hand. Last year I lost one of my co-workers, who happened to be a veteran, to suicide. It was extremely devastating, and I felt as if it came out of nowhere; I didn’t see the signs. As a lay community member, I am aware that veteran suicide is a pressing issue, but I have never been trained to recognize the signs; this is the case for many people. In my research, I have identified the range and effectiveness of gatekeeper trainings available to lay community members who want to help prevent veteran suicide. This research contributes to the awareness of veteran suicide among the community, and allows people to find their place and better understand the importance of knowing the signs and prevention techniques of veteran suicide.