New Tool Available for Proactive Approach to
Suicide Prevention During Veterans' Transition from Military
Service
STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 27,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterans are 1.7 times more
likely to die by suicide than civilians, with the highest risk
occurring during their transition from military service. To bring
awareness to this critical period, Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a
national not-for-profit network of mental health clinics for
post-9/11 veterans, service members and their families, has
launched Mind the Gap: Preventing Suicide After Service for
September's Suicide Prevention Month. The public awareness campaign
highlights the challenges veterans face during their transition
from the military and provides strategies and resources for suicide
prevention.
Each year, approximately 200,000 men and women transition from
U.S. military service to civilian life. The year following military
service has been called the "Deadly Gap," a period in which the
veteran suicide rate is 2.5 times the rate among active duty
military personnel.
"The transition from military service can be filled with
opportunity, but veterans can also face significant challenges such
as the loss of camaraderie and purpose, employment and financial
stress, coping with unmet mental health conditions and more," says
President and CEO of Cohen Veterans Network Dr. Anthony Hassan. "The convergence of such
challenges can create a perfect storm resulting in elevated suicide
risk. It's crucial that we bring awareness to this critical period
and provide comprehensive support."
As part of the campaign, the network has created a new
interactive tool that individuals can utilize for a proactive
approach to suicide prevention. Speak Up: How to Address
Concerns About Suicide provides suggestions about what to say
and do if a loved one is exhibiting signs of emotional distress
related to hopelessness, a lack of belonging, guilt and other
difficulties. It can help empower users to effectively engage in
difficult conversations and connect those at risk with the help
they may need.
In addition to therapy, CVN provides comprehensive case
management services which can support transitioning veterans, and
all clients, with potential stressors such as unemployment,
finances, housing, and more. These services are tailored to the
unique needs of veterans and their families and offer a holistic
approach to care.
Since its inception in 2016, CVN has treated more than 73,000
clients and provided over 625,000 clinical sessions. The network
treats a wide variety of mental health concerns including
transition challenges, depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment
issues, anger, grief and loss, family issues, relationship
problems, and children's behavioral problems. Care is available
through the network's 22 Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics,
serving 20 states in-person and via CVN Telehealth, face-to-face
video therapy.
Visit cohenveteransnetwork.org/suicideprevention for more. Cohen
Clinics b-roll is available here.
ABOUT COHEN VETERANS NETWORK
Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is a 501(c)(3) national
not-for-profit philanthropic organization for post-9/11 veterans,
active duty service members and their families. CVN focuses on
improving mental health outcomes, operating a network of outpatient
mental health clinics in high-need communities, in which trained
clinicians deliver holistic evidence-based care to treat mental
health conditions. It was established in 2016 by philanthropist
Steven A. Cohen with a commitment of $275 million to build the
network. Learn more about CVN at
cohenveteransnetwork.org.
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SOURCE Cohen Veterans Network