Date of Meeting: September 30, 2020
The North Dakota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs is challenging all Organization Leaders in North Dakota to accept the challenge of ensuring their members take the S.A.V.E. training to help prevent veteran suicides.
"The military along with many other organizations provide First Aid training to its members. First Aid training saves lives in Medical Emergencies, S.A.V.E. training saves lives in Behavior Health Emergencies".
This challenge involves only two steps (about 25 minutes of your time).
First step: Add the below contact information to your phone so you are prepared to help
- CONTACT NAME: SAVE
- PHONE: 800-273-8255 (24 hour suicide lifeline) press 1 for veterans
- WEBSITE: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- TEXT: 838-255 to chat
- IM: veteranscrisisline.net/chat
Second step: Register and take the 23 minute online training (requires sign in) or on YouTube (no sign in required).
VA launched the S.A.V.E. video in collaboration with PsychArmor Institute, a national nonprofit providing online education and support to those who work with, live with, or care for Service members, Veterans, and military and Veteran families. S.A.V.E. — which stands for “Signs,” “Ask,” “Validate,” and “Encourage” and “Expedite” — offers simple steps that anyone can take when talking with Veterans who are at risk for suicide. While the video refers to Veterans, the principles are universal, so let's make a difference in North Dakota with S.A.V.E.!
- Organizations can request in person training at the Fargo VA.
- Report completed in person training to NDCares@nd.gov
More information:
The ND Department of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with First Link, NDCARES, ND National Guard and the Federal VA in Fargo are challenging all entities in ND to encourage its employees and members to take the time to participate in this challenge.