In the United States, veterans account for 13% of all suicides. Suicidal individuals — especially men, and especially veterans — rarely ask for help. But studies show that success rates for suicide prevention increase dramatically when help is offered proactively, without waiting for someone to reach out.
The Veterans Committee recently identified reducing the veteran suicide rate as a top priority. We are currently working to establish a UWUA Veterans Hotline that will directly serve UWUA’s membership. We know that with proper intervention, many of these deaths are preventable.
We recently launched an initial round of training for the UWUA Veterans Hotline. Vice Chairman Jon Deboe and I completed QPR Pathfinder Training, a 14-hour course on early suicide detection and intervention. We took it first to ensure it would be a good fit for the Veterans Committee and the hotline.
The QPR method — which deliberately echoes CPR — focuses on rapid intervention for those at risk of attempting suicide. It involves three key steps: questioning, persuading, and referring. Like CPR, QPR is an immediate, lifesaving tool meant to keep someone safe until they can receive professional help. It perfectly aligns with our committee’s goal of becoming trusted helpers on the other end of a veteran’s phone call.
Suicide is a difficult subject to raise in conversation. It was difficult to write about for this article. But awareness, early recognition, and intervention are our best tools. They could save someone’s life.
In the coming weeks, watch the UWUA’s social media and your email for information on how to participate in the training. We are seeking volunteers from all five UWUA regions.
In the meantime, for those who want to learn more check out the book Suicide: The Forever Decision by Dr. Paul Quinnett — a clinical psychologist with more than 35 years of experience treating suicide survivors and supporting their families. The book is available free of charge online.
The Veterans Committee is working every day toward our goals. That said, we are still a little way from having everyone fully trained and qualified to field calls from those in need. If, during that time, you or someone you know is showing signs of suicidal thoughts — veteran or not — don’t hesitate to take action: address what you see, stay with them, and call 988.