The Problem
Despite increased attention in recent years, suicide rates are increasing. It’s the 10th leading cause of death in the general population. 14 people out of 100,000 die by suicide. This problem is even greater among Veterans, where 27.7 per 100,000 people die by suicide. In Louisiana, this rate is even higher, with 32.5 per 100,000 dying by suicide. There are many different interventions and programs to combat suicide, but they don't seem to be helping.
The Solution
The Solution
We work together as a coalition of caring community members to find creative solutions to reduce suicide. We reach out to others - Service Members, Veterans, Caregivers, family members, friends, gun-owners, gun-sellers, community leaders and activists, Veteran Service Organizations, local and state government officials, law enforcement, students, physicians and mental health professionals - to adopt these strategies.
We Want You to become part of our VISION coalition and attend our townhall meetings, where we will discuss firearm safety and what types of interventions may be acceptable to Veterans and Service Members who own firearms. Through these meetings we hope to develop a consensus-based “toolkit” of resources and information that we can all use to increase access to firearm safety in our communities.
About us
Our team includes Veterans, Caregivers, researchers and community members who care deeply about the suicide epidemic and how it affects our friends and families.
Testimonials
"Being there for someone who is in crisis can be very difficult and stressful, but leaving them alone can be much, much worse. I believe isolation and mistrust are two of the biggest factors in someone committing suicide, so the only approach to take is real human connection. This means talking to folks face-to-face, building trust where there was little or none before, and following their lead."
- Ray Facundo, US Army Veteran
- Ray Facundo, US Army Veteran
"Feeling alone is perhaps the most insidious of all thoughts, because loneliness breeds isolation, and isolation feeds bad outcomes. Any project that may unite more Caregivers has the potential to save lives."
— David Meyer, Caregiver
— David Meyer, Caregiver
"I believe that solutions can be created and happen at the community level. I hope this project grows visibility and solution-based participation in the Veteran and Military community. Get more folks involved, get more folks thinking, and spread the word about preventive measures and supports that are in place.”
— Ben Armstrong, US Marine Corps Veteran
— Ben Armstrong, US Marine Corps Veteran
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