Would you know how to help a veteran who was having a mental health crisis? That issue is being addressed through a new partnership involving the New Mexico Veterans Mental Health Advocacy Council and the Suicide Prevention Program of the New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS).
Under the partnership, the Council’s members will spread the word to private corporations, veterans groups, government agencies and other organizations that the NMVAHCS is available to present information to their members or staff about suicide prevention.
“Knowing how to respond when you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide saves lives and prevents suffering,” said Dr. Brenda Mayne, a psychologist who heads the Suicide Prevention Program for the NMVAHCS. “Many suicidal people don’t seek help because they don’t realize that simple interventions – usually without hospitalization – can help. New Mexicans, both veteran and non-veterans, have one of the highest suicide rates in the country. The Veterans’ Mental Health Advocacy Council’s efforts to get this information out across the state help all of us – including our families and our neighbors.”
Members of the Council will assist Mayne with the outreach program by setting up her presentations throughout the state.
The New Mexico Veterans Mental Health Advocacy Council meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 12-1 p.m. in Building 1, Room 329 of the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque. The Council’s purpose is to improve veterans’ mental health care by increasing veteran input into the planning, development and implementation of mental health programs and services.
The Council’s mission is to improve the quality of mental health care for veterans and their families by strengthening partnership among the NMVAHCS veterans, mental health staff, management and other mental health organizations in the community. Eligibility criteria for membership include veterans who have received behavioral health services, family members of eligible veterans, providers and/or representatives from the VA and community agencies and representatives from veteran service organizations.
Anyone interested in attending a council meeting should contact Lisa Graham, the Council’s VA Staff Liaison, at(505) 265-1711, ext. 5166. For more information about the Suicide Prevention presentations, please contact Dr. Brenda Mayne at 265-1711, ext. 2224.
Information from: New Mexico VA