RMR VA Medical Center Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Summit
Join us to learn about resources for suicide prevention and mental health
When:
Mon. Sep 16, 2024, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm MT
Where:
1700 North Wheeling Street
Aurora, CO
Cost:
Free
All Veterans are welcome to join us for our VA ECHCS Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Summit. The event will be held Monday September 16, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora.
Preventing Veteran suicide is challenging, but possible. All are welcome to attend our summit for Suicide Prevention to highlight the efforts and services that support Colorado’s Veterans.
Community organizations who support Colorado Veterans wishing to join our summit, should reach out to Benjamin Kremer at benjamin.kremer@va.gov.
Who: For the Mental Health Service
What: For the 2024 Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC Mental Health Summit
Where: Rocky Mountain Regional Hospital
When: September 16th, 9am-2pm
Tentative Event Agenda:
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Opening Remarks
Amir Farooqi, Interim Director
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Hannah Lambert, LCSW, Local Recovery Coordinator
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
Session 1
9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
VA SAVE Suicide Prevention Awareness Training
Facilitator: Ben Kremer, LCSW
Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Suicide Prevention Team
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
VA S.A.V.E. Training will help you act with care and compassion if you encounter a Veteran who is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts. The acronym S.A.V.E. helps you remember the important steps involved in suicide prevention:
- S ~ Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized
- A ~ Ask the most important question of all — “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
- V ~ Validate the Veteran’s experience
- E ~ Encourage treatment and Expedite getting help
Session 2
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Upstream connection: Meaningful water-based activities for enhancing mental health resiliency
Presenter: TBD
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
Session 3
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
VA Suicide Prevention Resource Fair: Resources for Colorado Veterans, Families, and Their Supporters
The resource fair will host a variety of Colorado VA and community suicide prevention services and initiatives that provide support including upstream approaches meant to improve mental health and well-being before a crisis evolves.
Resource/Tables Listing
- VA ECHCS Suicide Prevention Team
- VA Caregivers Support Program
- VA Whole Health
- VA Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Suicide Prevention
- Rocky Mountain Human Services, VA Homeless Program
- Veterans Expedition Therapy (VET)
- VA Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- VA Peer Support Specialists
- Meet Therapy Dogs and VA Facility Dog, Tootsie
Session 4
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Upstream resources for high risk populations: connecting in times of need.