Members of the Ricketts Administration joined the Governor today to discuss Nebraska’s participation in the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families.
An initiative of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, some 35 states are taking part in the effort to help those who serve.
John Hilgert, Director of the Nebraska Department of Veteran Affairs, says they will leverage existing resources in the state to maximize the impact. “We’re going to combine the context that we have in our veterans community with the tools that the Division of Behavioral Health can provide,” said Hilgert. “Now, what exactly is that going to look like? Who knows, but one of the characteristics that you probably will see is greater communication, greater coordination, the identification of community gaps, and where we need to go to make sure that we do our best that every veteran is not alone, and is given the support necessary to be successful.”
Governor Ricketts praised the progress made on the issue, as the number of veteran-related suicides last year was 37, down from 50 the previous year.
One key is a veterans’ crisis line available 24-7 by calling the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) and following the prompts, as well as the ability to find help by text.
