On February 3, 2020 TN Governor Bill Lee signed HJR 0001 “Statement of Intent or Position – Recognizes teen suicide as a health crisis in Tennessee.” This bill was originally introduced on November 7, 2018. In which time the rate of TN suicides surpassed the national rate according to YRBSS definitely qualifying youth suicide as a crisis.
Vet to Vet Tennessee has recognized this since 2015 and have been developing ways to help save lives. With the support from one of the world’s leaders in suicide prevention QPR Institute, Vet to Vet Tennessee has developed a cost effective, expedient, and effective program that can save countless youth lives immediately. There are many state and federal programs in place but working independently, however, these programs are not reducing the rate of suicide for our youth or Veterans in Tennessee. The State’s Veterans Suicide Prevention Taskforce was created in September 2018, and in the last two years a white paper has been drafted. No statewide action has occurred, and Veterans continues to take their own lives as well as youth.
While working in tandem with the Department of Veterans Affairs for many years, the VA recognizes they cannot help our Veterans by themselves; it takes the whole community. It is the communities responsibility including local, state, and federal organizations to work together to reduce suicide for all ages! Our action program has already proven to be successful. With your support, we can have an immediate impact on the families in Tennessee. This training is imperative.
Knoxville Veterans Regional Mental Health Council Chairwoman Dr. Emily Hager and Vet to Vet Tennessee President Ed Junod has just completed Vet to Vet Tennessee Middle/High School Suicide Prevention Initiative (VTVT SPI) plan which you will find by clicking here.
If you would like to learn more about SPI please leave us a note below or call us at 865-336-2624.
