Note from MOAA: If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) or via www.veteranscrisisline.net.

A joint VA-DoD conference offered more than 2,000 attendees insight into the departments’ ongoing suicide prevention programs, highlighting national strategies and successful grassroots efforts.

The July 16-18 gathering in Portland, Ore., marked the first time the event was held in person in five years. Its theme – Reimagining Suicide Prevention: Evolving and Innovating to Meet Diverse Needs – focused on innovative ways to reach at-risk servicemembers and veteran populations.

Guided by the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide and the DoD Strategy for Suicide Prevention, the conference featured keynote speakers including VA Secretary Denis McDonough, Special Assistant to the President for Veterans Affairs Terri Tanielian, journalist and former Marine Corps infantry officer Ben Kesling, and Bonnie Carroll, president and founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

[FROM THE EVENT: VA, DoD Suicide Resources] 

Attendees including VA and DoD care teams, leaders, advocates, researchers, and other subject-matter experts heard inspiring remarks as well as action plans for suicide prevention. Breakout sessions provided an opportunity for deep dives on specific topics, with themes such as technology-driven innovation (including artificial intelligence-enabled prevention strategies and predictive analytics); spiritual and faith-based community engagement; peer support models such as moral injury groups and suicide prevention peer advocates; lethal means and firearm safety; and caregiver resources and support.

Breakouts ranged from research presentations based on randomized clinical trials to case studies of successful grassroots efforts. Examples include:

• Stop Soldier Suicide shared findings from its Black Box Project, where families who’ve lost a servicemember to suicide temporarily loan their loved ones’ digital devices to a team of forensic experts to examine usage and other data to identify patterns.
  
  
• A Navy chief petty officer and suicide prevention coordinator for her unit received a standing ovation after sharing her efforts to recruit, train, and oversee a group of suicide prevention peer advocates who provide practical support (e.g. snacks, device chargers) and escort sailors to mental health triage or the emergency room during mental health crises.
  
  
• VA officials with the Caregiver Support Program and Program of General Caregiver Support Services discussed caregiver feedback and a new virtual psychotherapy program that provides a convenient option for individual, couples, family, and group therapy.

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The three-day event provided opportunities for attendees to share comprehensive and public health-based strategies to prevent suicide nationwide. The conference is held every other year; the 2026 event will be hosted by DoD.