In 2020, 14 Rhode Island veterans died by suicide. New program wants to reduce that number

G. Wayne Miller, The Providence Journal
·2 min read
1

PROVIDENCE – In 2020, the last year for which full statistics are available, 6,146 veterans lost their lives to suicide, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Of those, 14 were Rhode Islanders.

A new three-year program that the state Health Department will coordinate aims to reduce that toll while working to protect and improve the mental health and overall well-being of Rhode Island veterans and their families. There are an estimated 62,000 veterans living in Rhode Island.

Named for Army Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox, who died by suicide in 2020 at the age of 25, the program is made possible by a $750,000 federal grant.

The Providence VA Medical Center.
The Providence VA Medical Center.

The grant “will strengthen existing partnerships across local, state, federal and community organizations, allowing unified and collective engagement for veteran suicide prevention,” Kasim Yarn, director of the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services, said when the program was announced recently.

“Our veterans should know that they are not alone, and this grant will expand our outreach to spread hope and end suicide.”

Calling 988: What Rhode Islanders need to know about the mental-health crisis number

According to the announcement, “work will likely focus on gun safety, getting veterans connected to care at the VA, a coordinated system for referring veterans to care, trainings for health-care providers on the unique needs of veterans, and the development of education material, amongst other areas.”

Many will join the cause

Among the entities that will join the Health Department and the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services in the effort are the Executive Office of Health and Humans Services, Operation Stand Down, the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, organizations that assist with housing and BH Link, the 24-hour behavioral health triage service and hotline.

The Health Department “also intends to engage non-traditional partners, such as barbershops and hair stylists to reach veterans who may be resistant to traditional outreach from the VA or other institutions,” according to the announcement.

Rhode Island children in crisis: Why doctors have declared a mental health emergency

“Veteran suicide rates are decreasing, but they are still too high and we’ve got to keep working to ensure every veteran gets the care and help they need,” said Sen. Jack Reed, himself an Army veteran.

“As we see the need for mental health services expand, we must also provide additional support for community-based programs, ensuring that our veterans can begin healing their invisible wounds,” said U.S. Rep. David Cicilline.

A veteran who is struggling and needs support can call the Veteran Crisis Hotline (dial 988 then press 1), the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK), or the Providence VA Medical Health Care System (401-273-7100 x 13057).

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island Health Dept. has new veteran suicide prevention program