ANNVILLE, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has made a significant stride in its mission to combat veteran suicide by securing a $600,000 cooperative agreement grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This funding will facilitate the development of Suicide Mortality Review (SMR) programs in York and Westmoreland counties, a pioneering initiative that places Pennsylvania among only 10 states and two territories to receive such support.
Military veterans face a heightened risk of suicide, with statistics indicating they are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans. For female veterans, the risk escalates to 2.2 times. It is within this challenging context that SMR programs aim to intervene. These programs are spearheaded by county committees that meticulously review clinical and non-clinical data surrounding veteran suicides to derive actionable insights and preventive strategies.
Brig. Gen. John Pippy, acting adjutant general of the DMVA, highlighted the importance of this grant. “Receiving this grant is a credit to the great work Pennsylvania has been doing to raise awareness about suicide among service members, veterans and their families,” he stated. Brig. Gen. Pippy acknowledged the proactive roles of Westmoreland and York counties, which volunteered to collaborate with the DMVA in establishing these crucial programs. This cooperation marks a pivotal step in reducing veteran suicides through focused, evidence-based interventions.
The initiative is part of the broader Suicide Mortality Review program under the VA/SAMHSA Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF). This challenge unites 55 states and territories in a concerted effort to implement best practices for suicide prevention and to share insights from diverse stakeholders nationwide.
Pam Gay, York County coroner, expressed her commitment to the program: “The York County Coroner’s Office and our non-profit partners are honored to be chosen to work with the DMVA and the Governor’s Challenge as we work together to prevent suicide in our communities.” Gay emphasized the intention to build upon existing frameworks and integrate effective best practices to tackle suicide among the SMVF demographic in York County.
Tim Carson, Westmoreland County coroner, echoed this sentiment of collaboration and expansion. “The Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office is proud to partner with the DMVA and Governor’s Challenge as we look to reduce the suicide numbers among our service members and our veterans,” he stated. Carson has prioritized direct involvement with initiatives like The Ray of Hope to support families affected by suicide, and this grant will enhance these efforts considerably.
This funding not only reinforces Pennsylvania’s commitment to veteran mental health but also sets a precedent for how targeted, collaborative efforts can address complex public health challenges. Through the establishment of SMR programs, Pennsylvania aims to offer a model for other states to follow in the ongoing fight against veteran suicide.
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