Nonprofit providing resources for Virginia Veterans during National Suicide Awareness month

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — September is National Suicide Awareness Month and a nonprofit operating in Virginia is hoping to raise awareness about its resources.

According to new data released by the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA), there was a 6.6% increase in the number of hospital emergency department visits in the state among patients who attempted suicide over the last four years.

“We want to, if nothing else, arm people with a little bit of information about how they might play a positive role or intervene if someone in their lives is considering self-harm,” said Julian Walker, Vice President of Communications for VHHA.

Walker said the number of suicide attempts has jumped from 863 in 2020 to 920 in 2023. He said this data tracks with similar national numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“In 2022 nationwide, more than 49,000 deaths were attributed to suicide, which the CDC says is equivalent to about one death every 11 minutes from suicide,” Walker said. “CDC estimates that 13.2 million adults in the U.S. seriously thought about suicide in 2022, 3.8 million planned a suicide and 1.6 million attempted a suicide.”

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 193 Virginia veterans died from suicide in 2021. Hope For The Warriors, which operates in Virginia and North Carolina, provides resources to veterans and active-duty military members and their families.

This September, the organization hopes to get the word out about some of the resources they have available to veterans and service members who might be struggling.

“We have peer support programs available. They’re staffed by veterans who are there to support other veterans, and physical wellness programs, some of the best things that you can do for your mental health or exercise,” said Jory Watson, a clinical social worker who works with Hope For The Warriors.

Watson said everyone that connects with the organization is screened for suicide risk level and they use this to determine what they need.

“We want them to know where to go for help and support — and to find someone who hopefully will help them feel heard and get them connected where they need to be for long term help,” Watson said.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can also call or text the national 988 lifeline. More information on Hope For The Warriors can be found on their website .

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