Suicide Prevention

For immediate support, 24/7, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1. Chat is available at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text to 838255. Help is always confidential and the line is available for veterans and their families.

Resources

Safe Storage Map

Developed to help community members find local options for temporary, voluntary firearm storage. Out-of-home gun storage can be especially helpful to persons in crisis at risk for suicide. As of the spring of 2020, the businesses and law enforcement agencies listed on the map are willing to consider requests for temporary, voluntary gun storage. The link also provides a list of frequently asked questions about safe storage of firearms.

US Department of Veterans & Mili​tary Families National Strategy for Prevention Veteran Suicide

This 10-year plan (2018–2028) provides a road map for how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs intends to address the tragedy of suicide among Veterans.

Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families

In the Spring of 2020, the State of Maryland accepted an invitation from the US Department of Health and Human Services/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to participate in the national Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and Families (SMVF).

Our Focus

1. Identifying service members, veterans and their families and screening for suicide risk

2. Promoting connectedness and improving care transitions/Peer Support

3. Lethal means safety and safety planning/Trained Military Assistance Program (TMAP) 

Governor’s Challenge Team Communications Toolkit

The Governor’s Challenge Training Portal

​For more information on the Governor's Challenge, please contact Dana Burl, Challenge Team Co-Lead, Deputy Secretary, DVMF at [email protected]