In September, we observe Suicide Prevention Month. It’s an opportunity to spread awareness around the growing issue of suicide and promote resources that can help save lives. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the warning signs, offering support to those who may be struggling, and reducing the stigma around mental health.
At Volunteers of America, suicide prevention is an important part of our services because the suicide rate amongst veterans is significantly higher than the general population. We know they often face unique challenges transitioning from their time in the service, including unemployment, physical injuries, chronic pain, substance use, and finding stable housing. These difficulties can arise at any time and often even years after separation of service. Female veterans may encounter additional hardships, including challenging family relationships or dealing with a history of trauma.
Addressing these difficulties and understanding the warning signs is vital to saving lives. Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in their service and deserve our gratitude.
The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) honors Veteran Parker Gordon Fox, who joined the Army in 2014 and was a sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Ft. Benning, GA. SSG Fox was known for a life of generosity and kindness to others in need and died by suicide on July 21, 2020, at 25.
At Volunteers of America, staff are dedicated to preventing veteran suicide through peer support, case management, as well as outreach and education. Our community-based services are designed to reduce suicide risk and improve mental health and overall well-being of veterans, active service members and families.
Meet Our Team
Na’Syia Woods, SPGP Suicide Prevention Case Manager
This program is important because many veterans are going through difficult life changing times, some of those things could be hard to manage, and a lot of Veterans do not know where to go to receive help.
Tisha Lipscomb, Certified Peer Recovery Support
My role is to connect with fellow veterans and use my lived experience as a person in recovery from mental health and substance use to provide hope and to show that recovery is possible. Outreach helps us connect with individuals who don’t realize there are resources available for them, it also helps veterans see that there are people who care about them and want to help. Meeting people where they are, in their comfort zone in a time of need, makes veterans more willing to ask for help.
Rebecca Hudacko, Clinical Social Worker
I have seen veterans start the program overwhelmed with everyday stressors and leave feeling empowered and hopeful. A community-based program allows us to connect with veterans who may not be comfortable meeting in a formal setting. It’s also helpful in finding veterans who may not think of themselves as a veteran, even though they served.
Angela Lewis, SPGP Case Manager
Upon arriving at our facility, veterans can feel scared and withdrawn. After an introduction to our facility and their Case Manager, they open up and share more. It’s then that we can start to help. Every participant is unique, but every veteran is grateful for the support.
Brennan Orians, SPGP Case Manager
I have witnessed participants get through times of crisis simply by having someone to help them and work with them. Clients are not expected to meet with me face to face. They can meet with me via phone calls, virtually, or out in the community if they prefer. It creates a more flexible environment for clients who need support on their terms while going through a crisis.
At VOA Ohio & Indiana, we care deeply about the mental health and wellbeing of veterans. That’s why this program is staffed with caring and dedicated individuals who offer a hand-up to help address the challenges veterans face.
Are you a veteran? Have you served in the military? Whether you served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Space Force, we care about your mental health and wellbeing. Services are offered at no cost to you.
Contact us today for community-based suicide prevention services: ssgfox@voaohin.org
I have seen participants come from a place of hopelessness to a place of confidence and being able to live independently. – Tisha Lipscomb, Certified Peer Recovery Support