Veterans Support Center to lead suicide prevention training

The Travis W. Atkins Veterans Support Center has been providing indispensable services to student veterans at MSU since 2011. On Saturday, April 9, the Veterans Support Center will partner with the Help Center, MSU Counseling and Psychological Services and the Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation to host a suicide prevention training to better educate the community on how to avoid such tragedies, especially in instances of self-inflicted gunshots, which the event centers around. 

Director of Veteran Services Joseph Schumacher delved into the startling reality of the event’s subject matter. “The state of Montana ranks in the top three as far as veterans per capita. We also, unfortunately, rank in the top three for suicide,” Schumacher said. “It's even more acute when you look at the veteran population. The Veterans Affairs reported we lose 17 veterans per day. That number goes over 20 when you include those in active duty. It’s a pretty shocking number. It becomes really daunting when you think about all of the effort we put into keeping service members safe. It’s disheartening. We wholeheartedly believe suicide is 100% preventable.”

Although the training specifically covers deaths related to self-inflicted gunshot wounds, Schumacher says that its message can be used to help in many situations. “We want to give people the tools to feel confident asking the tough questions. Walking away from this training, we hope people will be more confident in their skills to recognize warning signs, help people create safety plans and practice good bystander intervention,” Schumacher said. 

Schumacher spoke highly of the work being done at the center and by the veterans that pass through it. “We go much more in depth during the training. MSU is number three in the nation for veteran services and number three most military friendly schools in the country. It speaks a lot to the work we all do to welcome these service members home and into our community. Being military friendly means more than just a designation or recognizing people at a football game. It’s about showing up when it matters.”

Those who wish to participate in the training are strongly encouraged to register beforehand at https://opmsubozeman.eventbrite.com.