Milwaukee VA hosting symposium on preventing veteran suicide

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee VA Medical Center is aiming to bring the community together with a crucial aim: addressing and preventing veteran suicide. The event, titled "Community Engagement to Prevent Veteran Suicide," seeks to highlight resources available for veterans navigating mental health challenges.

Leaders spanning various sectors, including religious institutions, health care providers and veteran service organizations will address the pressing issue. The symposium will feature insights from the Milwaukee VA's suicide intervention team, a resource fair and a specialized VA S.A.V.E. training session.

This training, pivotal in equipping individuals to assist veterans contemplating suicide, focuses on recognizing signs of suicidal thoughts, validating the veteran's experience and expediting access to help.

Scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, the itinerary includes remarks from James Bond of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and Dr. Graham Knowlton, the Milwaukee VA Lead Suicide Prevention Coordinator. The day also provides opportunities for networking and a dedicated Q&A session addressing the COMPACT Act.

The symposium will take place at the War Memorial Center. Contact the Milwaukee VA Medical Center for more information.

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