EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — As Suicide Prevention Awareness Month continues, the El Paso VA is working to connect veterans and the broader community with resources while encouraging people to check in on those who may be struggling.
Elissa Barron, a licensed clinical social worker and supervisor of the Suicide Prevention Program at the El Paso VA, said her team works to identify and support veterans considered at high risk for suicide.
“Our program is there to help identify and manage veterans who have been identified to be at high risk for suicide. So that is one of our primary functions.” Barron said.
Barron said the program works with veterans and their care providers to make sure they remain connected to the resources and services they need.
“We work in collaboration with their care providers to ensure that care continuity is being met and that they have all the resources they need to support their journey in care.” Barron said.
The program also provides training and education both inside the VA and throughout the community. Barron said part of her team’s work includes building partnerships with local organizations and helping them support suicide prevention efforts.
While suicide can affect anyone, Barron said one area where people should pay particular attention is firearm safety. She said her program regularly discusses firearm safety and the importance of safe storage.
“One of the things that we do a lot in my program is talk about the safety around access to firearms and promoting that safe storage of firearms.”
Barron also said veterans who are not connected to VA care face a greater risk.
“What we know about the veteran population is that the risk for suicide, or the suicide rates, actually are higher among veterans who are not connected to VA care.”
September has long been recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Barron said the month gives the VA an opportunity to increase outreach and participate in events throughout the community.
“It’s been the month that we have really bolstered awareness about suicide prevention.”
The month also includes 988 Day and World Suicide Prevention Day, which is observed September 10.
Barron reminded veterans that they can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling or texting 988 and pressing 1.
The El Paso VA is also hosting a motorcycle ride Saturday, September 12, to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
The ride will begin at Barnett Harley-Davidson before traveling to the Fabens Veterans Memorial. Riders will then continue to Flags Across America in Northeast El Paso before ending at the VA South Central Clinic, the VA’s main behavioral health clinic.
Barron said the event is open to the entire community.
“Anybody can ride if you want to ride a motorcycle or even drive along in your car. You don’t have to be a veteran to participate.”
She said people can participate in support of a veteran, friend or family member.
At the final stop, the VA will offer an opportunity for veterans to learn more about available services. Same-day behavioral health services will also be available for veterans who feel they need to be seen or want to get established in care.
VA registration and eligibility staff and representatives from the Veterans Benefits Administration will also be available to answer questions about enrollment and service-connected claims.
A resource fair will provide information about VA programs, including behavioral health services.
“Family members, friends, community members are welcome to also come to our clinic that day to check out our resources.”
Barron said one of the most important messages for people during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is that they do not have to be mental health professionals to support someone who may be struggling.
“You don’t have to be a mental health professional to help somebody who might be at risk for suicide.”
She encourages people struggling with their own mental health to identify and reach out to their support system. At the same time, she said friends, family members and coworkers should check in with someone when they notice something may be wrong.
“Reach out and check in with that person. Ask them how they are. Ask them how their day is going. Sometimes it just takes that small ounce of support for somebody to feel seen or heard.”
Barron acknowledged that talking about suicide can feel difficult or intimidating, but said anyone can offer support.
“Any one of us can be supportive. Any one of us can show empathy, can be genuine with somebody to say, ‘Hey, I may not know all the answers. I may not be the mental health professional myself, but I can sit here with you and listen to what you have to say.’”
She said people should remember that help is available and that supporting someone through a difficult moment can begin with simply listening and helping connect them with resources.
“Whatever they look to for support, to reach out, that help is available.”
Veterans in crisis can call or text 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Anyone experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis can call or text 988 for support.
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