Veteran comrades embark on an arduous 220-mile run: Ultramarathon challenges military personnel
In recent times, efforts to address the rising suicide rate among U.S. veterans have gained significant momentum, with both government agencies and nonprofit organisations focusing on the protective power of human connection and community support.
**Government Initiatives**
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has designated veteran suicide prevention as a clinical priority, providing targeted resources and services such as postvention support for survivors of suicide loss. Advocacy is underway to amend VA contracts with community care providers to include cultural competency training, lethal means safety, and counseling for suicide prevention and substance use.
The VA’s “Suicide Prevention 2.0” (SP2.0) program is implementing initiatives to improve the successful adoption of best practices in suicide prevention, including community engagement and the collection of feedback through surveys. Efforts are being made to increase access to mental health care, especially for veterans in rural areas, through expanded telehealth and community partnerships.
**Training and Education**
The Center for Deployment Psychology offers specialized training for behavioural health providers on empirically supported treatments for suicidal ideation and behaviour, focusing on risk assessment and intervention strategies. The VA also provides grants to organisations working on veteran suicide prevention, supporting a wide range of community-based interventions.
**Nonprofit Efforts**
Nonprofits such as America’s Warrior Partnership partner with communities to prevent veteran suicide by fostering local connections and support networks, recognising the critical role of community in mental health. Many nonprofits focus on peer support, social connection, and outreach to isolated veterans, often involving Veteran Service Officers and other trained advocates.
**The Role of Human Connection**
Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) play a vital role in connecting veterans to resources, benefits, and mental health care. Their personal understanding of military culture and challenges makes them trusted advocates who can reduce isolation among veterans. Programs that emphasise social cohesion, peer mentoring, and direct outreach are shown to reduce feelings of loneliness and despair among veterans, which are significant risk factors for suicide.
One such initiative is the 220-mile ultramarathon organised by the veteran-led nonprofit, 3Bravo. Led by retired Navy SEAL Liam Cogan, the race requires participants to carry a 22-pound rucksack from northern Nevada to the Tahoe Rim Trail. Funds raised from this event will be used to hire and train "elite Veteran Service Officers" to better support veterans during their most vulnerable periods.
As the Senate held a hearing focused on the Veterans Crisis Line in late June, Congress is stepping up efforts to confront the veteran suicide crisis. The House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health is expected to meet again to work on legislation aimed at improving outreach. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., introduced a bill requiring the VA to notify Congress before terminating crisis line staff, while Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., pressed Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins on proposed budget cuts to VA medical services during the hearing.
However, Collins argued that the federal government needs a more creative and thoughtful approach to addressing veteran suicides rather than throwing money at the problem. He stated he will have an answer soon regarding who he will have to fire to pay for the proposed cuts. Meanwhile, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., described the crisis line as "a critical tool for veterans at immediate risk of suicide."
Amid these developments, the suicide rate among male veterans has increased by 65% since 2001, and for female veterans, it is 92% higher than that of civilian women. These statistics underscore the urgent need for continued investment in initiatives aimed at preventing veteran suicide and fostering a sense of community and support among veterans.
Policy and Legislation1. Senator Tammy Duckworth is introducing a bill that requires the VA to notify Congress before terminating crisis line staff, indicating policy changes to support the Veterans Crisis Line.2. Senator Jon Ossoff has been pressing Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins on proposed budget cuts to VA medical services, suggesting a political interest in addressing the veteran suicide crisis.
General News3. In June 2022, the Senate held a hearing focused on the Veterans Crisis Line, indicating ongoing concern and attention on the matter.
Sports and American Football4. Retired Navy SEAL Liam Cogan is leading a 220-mile ultramarathon organized by 3Bravo, aiming to raise funds for hiring and training "elite Veteran Service Officers" to support veterans during their most vulnerable periods - illustrating an unusual yet effective approach in addressing this issue.5. The NFL, a prominent symbol of American football, could potentially widen its scope of social responsibility beyond sports-betting regulations to embrace causes such as veteran suicide prevention, given the significant number of veterans involved in the league. This expansion could involve partnerships with organizations specialized in mental health care and veteran support, enhancing the community outreach and awareness.
