September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, foster hope, and take action to prevent suicide in our communities. Among the most vulnerable populations are our veterans.
Veteran suicide remains a critical public health issue in the United States, with firearms being the most common method used in these tragic deaths. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 2024 annual report, 73% of veteran suicides involve a firearm which is significantly higher than the general population (52%). This stark reality underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions that address access to lethal means, particularly firearms.
One of the most effective strategies in suicide prevention is lethal means counseling, a collaborative process where healthcare providers work with veterans to reduce access to methods that could be used in a suicide attempt. This approach is not about restricting rights, rather creating time and space between a suicidal crisis and access to lethal tools, giving individuals a chance to survive and seek help.
The VA’s Firearm Suicide Prevention and Safety Training (FFAST) program was developed to engage veterans and their support person in conversations about safe storage and lethal means safety planning. FFAST emphasizes respectful, veteran-centered dialogue that promotes safety planning, encourages secure firearm storage, and supports veterans in making informed decisions about their well-being.
AdventHealth is proud to partner with the VA through the Face the Fight initiative, a national movement to prevent veteran suicide. As part of this effort, AdventHealth has been actively providing lethal means counseling and increasing access to gun safes and locks for veterans in our communities. We are now expanding our commitment by offering FFAST at AdventHealth Porter.
Safety planning around lethal means can include:
- Using gun safes or lockboxes
- Storing firearms unloaded and separately from ammunition
- Temporarily transferring firearms to trusted individuals during high-risk periods
- Including family or support systems in the planning process
These steps are simple but powerful. They can mean the difference between life and death.
If you or someone you know is a veteran interested in FFAST, call Call303-715-2300 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. Together, we can face the fight.
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
News
Mental health support that meets college students where they are
Starting college is an exciting milestone. But it can also bring academic pressure, new relationships, greater independence and unfamiliar challenges.
News
Physician honored for faith, compassion and whole-person care across rural Appalachia
Longtime AdventHealth physician recognized for his commitment to faith, compassion and whole-person care in rural Appalachia.
News
5 months after an injury, this softball player was back on the field, achieving her dream
AdventHealth and Rothman Orthopaedics helped an local softball player get back on the field and live out her dreams with its system of connected care.
News
AdventHealth Littleton brings lifesaving training to Chatfield State Park
Free Stop the Bleed class helps Colorado Parks and Wildlife rangers prepare for emergencies in the field and beyond.
News
Finding confidence and community during cancer treatment
After months of emotional upheaval and unexpected change, Christina Lee welcomed a chance to step away from cancer treatment and focus on herself.
Social Media Post
'To feel less alone': When mission brings comfort, connection and hope
At one of the lowest points in his life, a man noticed an AdventHealth behavioral health clinic and decided to walk in. That choice changed the direction of his life.
News
A critical emergency leads to lifesaving care and a grateful return
After a life-threatening emergency and 83 days of care, Charles Forth returned to AdventHealth Minneola to thank the team who gave him a chance.
Press Release
AdventHealth Sebring celebrates 14 residency graduates, strengthening the future of local care
AdventHealth Sebring recently celebrated 14 graduating resident physicians from its Internal Medicine and Family Medicine residency programs.
News
NASCAR driver brings book vending machine to St. Augustine elementary school
Students at John A. Crookshank Elementary School have a new way to celebrate good choices this school year: earning a book of their own.
Press Release
ICU nurse honored for clinical excellence, commitment to patient safety
AdventHealth Hendersonville recognizes ICU nurse Julia Greer with a DAISY Award for clinical excellence, compassionate care and commitment to patient safety.
News
More room for care: AdventHealth Daytona Beach completes major expansion
The completed project includes more than 100 new inpatient rooms, adds a dedicated neuro-ICU and expands surgical and critical care services for patients.
Media Coverage
When is the right time for a hip or knee replacement? An orthopedic surgeon explains
Orthopedic surgeon Justin LaReau, MD, talks about when the time is right for a hip or knee replacement and advancements in joint replacement surgery.