The Veterans of Modern Warfare Chapter 9 (VMW) hosted a Suicide Awareness event on Feb. 15 at the Common Ground Community Center, located on the corner of Armstrong Place and West Main Street in Owego.
The VMW provides advocacy and support for modern warfare veterans (Desert Storm, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan), and participates in community events.
Recently, VMW President, Danielle Ingram was notified by the National VMW Chair that VMW Chapter 9 was recognized as the most active chapter in the nation.
Last year the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a National Suicide Data Report. Their findings stated that the average number of veterans who died by suicide each day remained at about 20. The VA findings also showed that suicide rates among younger male veterans ages 18 to 34 were surpassing the rate of suicide in male veteran’s ages 55 to 74, which was the highest incidence group through 2016. It was also found that suicide rates among women veterans had increased and were nearly two times greater than the suicide rate for non-veteran women.
Presenting at the VMW event in Owego were representatives from the Suicide Coalition of Tioga County and Tioga County Mental Hygiene, along with a licensed clinician and social worker. Also attending the event were representatives from the Binghamton Veterans Center, the VA at Bath, N.Y., and Clear Path for Veterans, an organization that supports veterans after their return home.
The presenters communicated that, for every day in the United States, one person dies from suicide every 13 minutes, and that a significant increase has been seen among veterans. Left behind are “suicide survivors,” defined as individuals who have lost a loved one to death by suicide.
The presenters delivered the “QPR for Suicide Prevention,” or “Question, Persuade, Refer,” and gave critical tips on how to question a person about suicidal thoughts, how to persuade someone to get help, and how to refer someone for help. Suicide myths, verbal, behavioral and situational clues and warning signs, along with risk factors, were discussed.
“Suicide Myths” were shared, such as the myth that no one can help a suicide, or that the act of confronting a person about suicide will only increase the risk of suicide. In fact, the presenters explained, anyone can help prevent the tragedy of suicide. By asking someone directly about suicide intent opens up communication and has the potential of lowering the risk of an impulsive act.
Veterans attending the VMW event shared that in today’s military there is less debriefing time. As an example, a veteran could be on the front lines one day, and the next day, on a flight home. Transitioning back to civilian life is a difficult process for many.
Ingram remarked, “Veterans in the military are focused on the job and don’t have time to think about feelings and emotions,” adding, “It’s overwhelming for them. Not all can transition as easily as others.”
Ingram added, “Plus, we have to break the stigma associated with talking about suicide.”
Ingram said the VMW Chapter 9 is continuing efforts to put the issue of suicide in the spotlight. The more it is talked about, Ingram said, the better chance there is of saving lives.
Last year, the VMW introduced the “Veterans Tear” pin, a piece of jewelry inspired by Ingram, and designed by award-winning master jeweler Michael Husted of Van Horn Jewelers in Owego. The pin is still available for sale and part of the proceeds assists veterans programs such as a peer-to-peer suicide hotline and the training of therapy dogs for veterans in need. For questions regarding the Veterans Tear, call Ingram at (607) 205-0902.
New members are welcome to join the VMW. The group meets on the first Saturday of the month at the Common Ground Community Center. The next meeting is scheduled for March 2 at 11 a.m.
The following is a list of organizations for individuals to reach out to: Tioga County Mental Hygiene crisis hotline, (607) 687-4000 or in Waverly at (607) 565-9594; National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255); Crisis Text Line, 741-741; Binghamton General Hospital CPEP, (607) 762-2458; Robert Packer Hospital CPEP, (570) 887-6550; Southern Tier Veterans Support Group, (607) 205-8332; Tioga County Veterans’ Service Agency, (607) 687-8228; Binghamton Vet Center, (607) 722-2393; Dept. of Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Program at Bath, (607) 664-4300; Survivors of Suicide Support Groups, (607) 272-1505, (607) 734-6174 or (607) 753-3021; Those Left Behind SOS at Binghamton General Hospital, (607) 762-2887.
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