Press Release  Executive Office of Veterans Services Announces 2024 National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Initiatives

Boston — The Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) has announced a series of events and initiatives throughout September to address the mental health challenges faced by Massachusetts veterans in honor of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. These initiatives aim to support veterans directly, promote suicide prevention, and enhance community engagement.

“Our commitment to our veterans goes beyond providing services—it’s about creating a society where they feel supported, understood, and empowered,” said Secretary Jon Santiago. “This month, our mission is not only to raise awareness about suicide prevention but to also take concrete steps to ensure every veteran in Massachusetts has access to the mental health resources they need.”

Key Events and Initiatives Include:

• New England VA 1-on-1 Veterans Expo: Over 600 veterans attended the first-ever “New England VA 1-on-1 Expo” at Gillette Stadium on September 4, hosted by EOVS in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Kraft Group. The event connected a record number of veterans with personalized support and essential services, making it the most attended single-day VA 1-on-1 Expo to date.
• VA/SAMHSA Suicide Mortality Review Academy: EOVS, together with partners through the Governor’s Challenge, is working with the VA/SAMHSA Suicide Mortality Review Academy to establish a statewide Suicide Mortality Review Committee (SMRC). The committee will review suicide fatalities, identify contributing factors, and recommend interventions to reduce suicide rates in Massachusetts. Throughout 2024, Massachusetts team members have collaborated with federal officials in multiple working sessions to create this review process for the Commonwealth.
• Veterans Community Initiative (VCI) Peer Support Events: EOVS has awarded $2 million in grant funding to 15 community organizations for innovative mental health programs and peer support efforts among veterans. Notable events include:
  • 22Mohawks Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training: On September 12, 22Mohawks, an organization dedicated to suicide prevention and veteran wellness, will host a QPR suicide prevention and firearm safety training session for veterans, first responders, and community partners. The training focuses on equipping participants with life-saving intervention skills and increasing firearm safety awareness among at-risk groups.
  • Frost Call Video-Gaming Sessions: Frost Call, a nonprofit organization that uses video gaming to provide social connection and support to veterans, will host a peer support video-gaming event in partnership with the New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV) on September 27. The session aims to create a safe, engaging environment for veterans to connect, share experiences, and receive peer support.
  • Wet Vet Charter Excursions: Wet Vet, an organization led by certified drug and alcohol counselors, will host an all-day fishing trip on September 19 to build community among veterans. The event provides a unique therapeutic setting where veterans can bond, share stories, and support one another in a natural environment.
  • Veteran Mental Health Round Table: On September 30, EOVS, Dr. Matthew Miller, Executive Director of Suicide Prevention at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Dr. Renee Lento, Director of Suicide Prevention at Home Base and Dr. John Bradley, MD, DFAPA, Director, Mental Health Service, VA Boston Healthcare System will hold a roundtable discussion moderated by Secretary Santiago. The event will highlight collaborative efforts to address mental health, PTSD, and suicide prevention among veterans.
• Revamping the EOVS SAVE Team: EOVS has revamped its SAVE (Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment) program to better address the evolving needs of the veteran community. Focused on preventing suicide and mental health distress, SAVE connects veterans with peer support and available benefits. The program now operates under EOVS’s newly created Office of Engagement. To ensure equitable outreach across the state, EOVS hired a Deputy based full-time in Western Massachusetts. The team has also enhanced its engagement with veterans by using innovative technology to track outreach, document interactions, and securely manage personal data. 
• Serving Those Who Serve Conference: Secretary Santiago will deliver the keynote address at the 4th annual suicide prevention conference organized by the Governor’s Challenge team on September 27 in Worcester, summarizing the state’s progress and reaffirming Massachusetts' commitment to supporting veterans’ mental health.

Progress and Impact

The Veterans Reintegration Advisory Committee (VRAC), established last year in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health (DMH), released its report, "An Examination of Suicide among Veterans and their Reintegration into Society," in December 2023. This report provided critical insights and recommendations to address veteran suicides, including enhancing mental health services, expanding peer support programs, and improving data collection practices. 

While Massachusetts' veteran suicide rate (19.1 per 100,000) remains lower than the national average (33.9 per 100,000), the VRAC report highlighted areas of concern, such as the high percentage of suicides involving mental health conditions (65%) and access to firearms (49.1%). EOVS continues to expand peer services, enhance workforce training, and secure federal grants to bolster these efforts.

###