In an effort to address the mental health challenges that veterans in Massachusetts face, the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) is rolling out a series of initiatives this September for National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Secretary Jon Santiago emphasized the importance of supporting veterans beyond just services, with aspirations towards a society that "feel supported, understood, and empowered," as reported by Mass.gov.
The lineup of activities and funding includes the New England VA 1-on-1 Veterans Expo, where over 600 individuals benefited from personalized support and essential services. There's also an upcoming QPR training aimed at suicide prevention on September 12, video-gaming sessions for social connection, and an all-day fishing excursion for building community among veterans. Notably, these peer support events are fueled by a hefty $2 million in grant funding to 15 community organizations that has been awarded by EOVS.
Moreover, the Massachusetts' team has been working with federal officials on a collaborative effort to establish a statewide Suicide Mortality Review Committee (SMRC). This committee will engage in reviewing suicide fatalities and determining contributing factors, with the goal of recommending interventions to reduce suicide rates in the state. Additionally, the SAVE (Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment) program has been revamped, operating under EOVS’s newly created Office of Engagement to better meet the needs of veterans, including through the use of innovative technology to manage outreach and personal data securely.
The "Serving Those Who Serve" conference on September 27 will feature Secretary Santiago delivering the keynote speech, summarizing progress and reiterating Massachusetts' commitment to veteran mental health. This affirmation comes in wake of the Veterans Reintegration Advisory Committee's alarming findings on suicide prevalence among veterans, particularly related to mental health conditions and firearm access. Despite Massachusetts' lower-than-national-average veteran suicide rate, there are clear indications that more efforts are needed to continue to support the mental health of those who've served.
To further understand the magnitude of Massachusetts efforts, the EOVS and the Department of Mental Health collaboratively penned "An Examination of Suicide among Veterans and their Reintegration into Society." Released in December 2023, this report highlights critical insights and recommendations for addressing veteran suicides, underscoring the importance of enhancing mental health services, expanding peer support programs, and improving data collection practices.
