September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a period dedicated to increasing awareness and promoting action to prevent suicide. Veterans are among the groups most affected by this issue in the United States.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 2024 annual report highlights that firearms are involved in 73% of veteran suicides, compared to 52% in the general population. This data points to a need for specific strategies focused on reducing access to lethal means, especially firearms.
Lethal means counseling is identified as an effective method for suicide prevention. In this process, healthcare providers collaborate with veterans to limit access to methods that could be used in a suicide attempt. The goal is not to restrict rights but to create time and distance between a crisis and access to lethal tools, providing individuals with an opportunity to seek help.
The VA has developed the Firearm Suicide Prevention and Safety Training (FFAST) program. FFAST aims to engage veterans and their support networks in discussions about safe firearm storage and safety planning. The program promotes respectful dialogue centered on veterans’ needs, encourages secure storage practices, and supports informed decision-making regarding well-being.
AdventHealth has partnered with the VA through the Face the Fight initiative, which seeks to prevent veteran suicide nationwide. As part of this partnership, AdventHealth has been offering lethal means counseling and improving access to gun safes and locks for veterans. The organization is now expanding its efforts by introducing FFAST at AdventHealth Porter.
“AdventHealth is proud to partner with the VA through the Face the Fight initiative, a national movement to prevent veteran suicide. As part of this effort, AdventHealth has been actively providing lethal means counseling and increasing access to gun safes and locks for veterans in our communities. We are now expanding our commitment by offering FFAST at AdventHealth Porter.”
Safety planning steps include using gun safes or lockboxes, storing firearms unloaded and separately from ammunition, temporarily transferring firearms during high-risk periods, and involving family or support systems in planning.
“If you or someone you know is a veteran interested in FFAST, call Call303-715-2300 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. Together, we can face the fight.”
AdventHealth Orlando was established in 1908 in Orlando, Florida. It serves as both a hospital with pediatric care facilities and a training institution under current president Terry Shaw.
