Dorn VA Medical Center to host mental health summit
September 9, 2015
What: “A Community of Care: Building Connections”
Guest speaker, Nicole Gibson, Director of State Policy & Grassroots Advocacy, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
When: Friday, September 11, 2015 – 12:15 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Medallion Conference Center, 7309 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, S.C. 29209
Why: In May of 2013 the Under Secretary for Health released a Memorandum instructing each VA Medical Center to hold a Mental Health Summit in recognition of the principle that truly Veteran-centered, recovery-oriented care requires active collaboration with VA and community partners. Each year since then, each VA has been asked to continue this community and VA integration to better care for Veterans and their family members. This summit is the 3rd annual hosting for Dorn VAMC.
In addition, September is Suicide Prevention month and Dorn’s suicide prevention coordinators work with the community to provide education to local organizations about suicide risk and resources. They frequently provide trainings, attend local events and distribute materials.
One of the basic resources for a Veteran thinking of suicide is The Veterans Crisis Line. It offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to Veterans and their families and friends. Veterans, or anyone concerned about a Veteran, can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat or text to 838255 to receive support — even if they are not registered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or enrolled in VA health care.
