Missouri veterans launch suicide prevention team

Missouri veterans and military advocates take suicide prevention training to expand resources in local communities.

More than 25 Missouri veterans, family members and advocates from organizations that support the military community are launching a new Department of Mental Health (DMH) program to create a statewide network of certified suicide prevention trainers.  These individuals will gather on April 16, 2019, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm to become certified trainers in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR). The training will be held at the Missouri Coalition for Community Behavioral Healthcare, Kathy Carter Building, 221 Metro Drive, Jefferson City.

QPR is a one-hour course where participants learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide, provide hope for the individual in crisis, and find him or her immediate help.  Following today’s instruction, these certified trainers will go back to their communities and offer this suicide prevention course to others for FREE.  Funding for today’s training is provided by a federal suicide prevention grant awarded to DMH.

“Suicide has a tragic impact on not only individuals and families, but entire communities. Missouri’s veterans have already selflessly served our nation, and I commend these veterans for extending their service to Missourians by leading efforts aimed at reducing suicide among fellow service members and all citizens,” Governor Parson said. “Taking a pro-active approach to suicide prevention by learning risk factors and warning signs is one of the ways we can all work to reduce suicide attempts and deaths.”

The Missouri Veterans Suicide Prevention Team include representatives from AMVETS Post 98 (West Plains), Post 181 (Kansas City); American Legion Post 132 (Warrensburg), Post 202 (Columbia), Post 208 (Manchester), Post 388 (Wentzville), Post 393 (Gower); American Legion Auxiliary Post 5 (Jefferson City); Caregivers on the Homefront (Kansas City); Disabled American Veterans Chapter 10 (Queen City); Elizabeth Dole Foundation-Fellow (Cuba); Horses & Heroes (Kansas City); Old Man River Nature Retreat (Potosi); Missouri Chaplain Services LLC (Mt. Vernon); Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2513 (Warrensburg), Post 4398 (Richmond), Post 5178 (Gravois Mills), Post 6603 (Blue Springs).

In addition to the below talking points on suicide, attached are two documents regarding suicide myths and helpful tips for reporting on suicide:

In 2018, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in Missouri.

Prior to attempting suicide, those in a suicide crisis are likely to send warning signs; learning the warning signs can save a life.

For every suicide death, approximately 25 people survive an attempt.

Nine of out 10 people who attempt suicide and survive, do not go on to die by suicide later.

For more information about the program contact Jon Sabala at 573-751-2368, e-mail jon.sabala@dmh.mo.gov or Debra Walker at 573-751-1647, e-mail debra.walker@dmh.mo.gov.