OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with the theme “Speak Up, Save Lives.” The effort highlights the importance of breaking down stigma, fear, and judgment to better support service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF).

According to WDVA, 212 veterans in Washington died by suicide last year, underscoring the urgent need for community action. The agency is encouraging residents to utilize the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, and is providing a Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) Toolkit with resources for families, friends, and communities.

WDVA also offers no-cost suicide prevention training to the public, teaching participants to recognize warning signs and provide support. The department partners with local agencies and state leaders through the Governor’s Challenge to prevent veteran suicide, stressing that collaboration is key to saving lives.

For more information and resources, visit dva.wa.gov/spam.