More than 25 Cannon Falls Veterans and concerned community members gathered on Thursday, September 26th to learn about the warning signs of Veteran suicide and how to prevent it.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports an estimated 22 Veterans die by suicide every day. It’s not uncommon to meet a Veteran who knows at least one former soldier that has died by suicide. Suicide is not a Veteran-only problem. The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office reported that 13 people died by suicide in Goodhue County in 2023, and the suicide rate is significantly higher than any other county in Southeast Minnesota, and more than double the State of Minnesota’s suicide rate.
The event, which was organized by Goodhue County Health & Human Services, the MPLS VA Health Care System, and representatives from VFW Post 4452 and American Legion Post 142 in Cannon Falls, featured Julia Pawlenty, a clinical social worker and Cannon Falls resident. She shared the significance of Veteran suicide, potential warning signs, and how to act with care and compassion when a Veteran is experiencing a mental health crisis. The training uses an easy to remember acronym, S.A.V.E.
S – Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized
A – Ask the most important question of all
V – Validate the Veteran’s experience
E – Encourage treatment and Expedite getting help
Julia also shared a few easy actions everyone can take to help prevent suicide, including limiting access to lethal means and seeking mental health support. Firearms account for 70% of suicide deaths, so keeping firearms locked and out of sight is a good way to prevent someone experiencing a mental health crisis from accessing them.
We are all responsible for preventing suicide and ensuring the people around us feel loved and supported. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org.
About Goodhue County Health and Human Services:
The mission of Goodhue County Health and Human Services is to “Promote, Protect and Strengthen the Health of Individuals, Families, and Communities.” The department has four service divisions: Economic Assistance, Public Health, Social Services, and HHS Finance/IT. For more information on Goodhue County Health & Human Services, please visit www.co.goodhue.mn.us.
