Overview

Promoting connectedness is one of the most effective upstream strategies in Veteran suicide prevention. When Veterans feel supported by family, peers, and their broader community, their sense of belonging increases and suicide risk decreases. Because many Veterans at risk are not engaged in VA care, building partnerships with community providers, peer networks, and local organizations becomes essential. These relationships help identify Veterans earlier and offer support in the environments where they live, work, and thrive - before they reach a crisis point. Connectedness also strengthens the handoff between systems, making it easier for Veterans to stay engaged with care and resources.

Strengthening care transitions is equally critical, as these moments often carry the highest suicide risk. Leaving military service, stepping down from inpatient or emergency care, relocating, or navigating homelessness or justice involvement can disrupt routine and disconnect Veterans from needed support. Evidence shows that warm handoffs, timely follow-up, and caring contacts significantly reduce suicide attempts and deaths. By coordinating these transitions across systems and aligning them with community connectedness efforts, we help prevent Veterans from falling through gaps and ensure they maintain access to consistent, lifesaving resources.

Strategy