September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a crucial time to focus on the urgent need for mental health support and suicide prevention efforts across the country.
For veterans, this month holds special significance, as many continue to face challenges long after their service. The statistics tell a sobering story, but they also highlight the opportunities we have to take action, spread awareness, and save lives.
At DCG, we’re dedicated to that mission. Founded by a veteran for veterans, DCG has spent more than a decade working diligently to support the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Suicide Prevention with its messages, campaigns, and initiatives tailored to resonate with the nation’s diverse population of over 18 million veterans.
In the past year, DCG has supported VA in making substantial strides toward suicide prevention for veterans — from publishing over 60 social media posts related to suicide prevention across major platforms, resulting in nearly 1.2 million impressions, to strategically placed digital ads at 10 major sporting events, including Super Bowl LVIII and the Indy 500, garnering 20 million impressions.
DCG also assisted in the development of nearly 1.2 million new promotional materials for the Veterans Crisis Line, a lifesaving resource available to veterans. This effort is part of the larger initiative surrounding VA’s partnership with the 988 Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), which transitioned from a 10-digit number to the simplified 988 in July 2022. By dialing 988 and pressing 1, veterans can easily access the Veterans Crisis Line. Since this switch, calls have increased by approximately 27%.
The Veterans Crisis Line is not just a call center — it offers a range of 24/7 support, including a website-based chat function and text support. These platforms ensure that veterans can reach out for help in whatever way feels most comfortable for them.
If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7, confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
As we continue to observe National Suicide Prevention Month, we aim to embody the VA Office of Suicide Prevention’s guiding principles: suicide is preventable, it requires both clinical and community-based approaches, and everyone has a role to play in preventing veteran suicide. Suicide prevention is a collective responsibility, and it’s our shared mission to support those around us, including the veterans in our lives.
Saving Veteran Lives: DCG and VA’s Shared Mission of Preventing Suicide was originally published in DCG Life on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
