Suicide prevention
If you're a Veteran who is thinking of hurting yourself—or you know a Veteran who’s considering this—we can help. Our VA Albany health care suicide prevention coordinators can get you the support you need. They work with our behavioral health providers and community organizations to assist Veterans who are managing emotional or mental health crises.
Care we provide at VA Albany health care
- Suicide prevention care coordinators
- Suicide prevention case managers
- Gun safety locks
Informational Materials:
How do I talk to someone right now?
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7.
To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night:
- Call 988 and select 1.
- Start a confidential chat.
- Text 838255.
- For TTY, call 711 then 988.
You can also:
- Call 911.
- Go to the nearest emergency room.
- Go directly to your nearest VA medical center. It doesn’t matter what your discharge status is or if you’re enrolled in VA health care.
Find your nearest VA medical center
Connect with a Suicide Prevention Coordinator
Our suicide prevention coordinator can help you get ongoing support, like counseling and other services. Coordinators are available during regular business hours and can be reached by emailing our Suicide Prevention Team at:
VHASPCNY-528A8ALNSuicidePreventionTeam@va.gov.
You may also contact the Stratton VA Suicide Prevention program coordinator below.
Michele Woodcock
Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Social Worker
VA Albany health care
Phone:
Email: michele.woodcock@va.gov
Community Engagement and Partnership program (CEPP)
The program focuses on identifying at-risk service-members, Veterans and their families; increasing screening for suicide risk, promoting interaction and improving care transitions, as well as increasing safety and safety planning to promote healthier outcomes. This is accomplish through Coalition Development and Management, Community Education and Community Engagement.
Stratton VA's CEPP covers 18 counties (Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Fulton, Montgomery, Clinton, Otsego, Franklin, Schoharie, Essex, Delaware, Hamilton, Greene, Warren, Columbia, Washington and Ulster). It's important to note that VA has a CEPP based out of every VA Hospital across New York State.
You may contact the Stratton VA Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinators (CEPC) coordinator below.
Jennifer Stiletto Smith (formerly Curatolo) LCSW-R
Community Engagement Partnership Coordinator, Suicide Prevention
VA Albany health care
Phone:
Michelle Chavarria LCSW
Community Engagement Partnership Coordinator, Suicide Prevention
VA Albany health care
Phone:
Email: Michelle.Chavarria@va.gov