The intent of this presentation is to provide non-behavioral health clinicians with evidence-based practices and the information necessary to recognize and bring into treatment Veterans who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. There are approximately 25 million Veterans in the United States and 5 million Veterans who receive care within the Veterans Health Administration. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate suicide rates among men between the ages of 20 and 65 at approximately 22 per 100,000 persons per year. Veterans Health Administration mental health officials estimate 6,400 suicides per year among Veterans, and 1,600 to 1,800 among Veterans receiving health care from the Veterans Health Administration.
Goals of the presentation:
1) Understand the prevalence and scope of suicide in our society and among the Veteran population.
2) Understand the assessment of potentially suicidal Veteran.
3) Recognize warning signs and make necessary referrals.
4) Become familiar with risks related to suicide in patient presenting with other medical and psychiatric concerns.
5) Learn about systemic and environment risks related to treating suicidal Veterans.
6) Recognize the importance of what is termed “means restriction”.
7) Understand the basic concepts of formulating a safety plan for the Veteran identified as at high risk for suicide.
The presenter will be Peter Albert, MSN, RN the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at VA Butler Healthcare and the Lead Suicide Prevention Coordinator for VA’s VISN 4. The format of the presentation will be a power point presentation to address the goals stated above. The presenter will review the power point presentation with the participants while providing relevant clinical examples to reinforce the information presented. Additional handouts and information on the Department of Veterans Affair’s suicide prevention program will be made available to all participants.
