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Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in Washington state, and the 2nd leading cause of death amongst our youth. On Saturday, September 10, suicide prevention advocates, loss survivors, and attempt survivors will raise their voices together to bring healing and resources to this globally important issue.
In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day 2016, Forefront will host a free, 2-hour community training at the UW Seattle School of Social Work. This training will help you learn how to recognize when a friend, family member, or co-worker is at risk for suicide, and what you can say and do to help. This workshop is open to all. Here in Washington state, help us build a united front for suicide prevention by bringing your family, friends, and colleagues to learn important tools for assessing and intervening with suicide risk. The training will provide you with skills in recognizing and responding to suicide risk. There will be opportunities to ask questions, practice some skills, and gain confidence in helping others. Come be part of a worldwide effort to build awareness, break stigma, and learn tools that can help prevent suicide. WHERE: University of Washington School of Social Work Building Room 305 A/B http://socialwork.uw.edu/about/visit-us 4101 15TH AVE NE, Seattle, WA 98105 WHEN: World Suicide Prevention Day Saturday, September 10th, 2016 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Light snacks and refreshments will be offered. There is no cost to attend, however space is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. REGISTER HERE TODAY There is a place for everyone in suicide prevention. Join us to learn tools that can help you take yours! Caitlin KB LaVine, MSW Forefront: Innovations in Suicide Prevention Program Specialist 206.543.1016 www.intheforefront.org  “Our lives are built around stories. It’s the fabric of society,” says Tom Skerritt, whose Red Badge Project helps Wounded Warriors use storytelling to explore their emotions and heal invisible wounds. (Photo by Katie M. Simmons) Military veterans have a significantly higher risk of suicide than the general population — as much as 41% to 61% higher, according to a study of those who served during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Forefront’s grassroots network of suicide prevention advocates includes those who are helping reduce that risk. Click here to see how Tom Skerritt is using his passion and experience to help fellow vets find their place and themselves in civilian life.
 Representative David Jolly has introduced H.R. 4640, the Veteran Suicide Prevention Act. If enacted, this bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to complete a review and report of the deaths by suicide of all veterans under VA care during the five-year period preceding enactment. This review would include the following:
The bill would require VA to report to Congress the extent to which veterans who died by suicide were being prescribed medications carrying "black box" warnings. It would also mandate VA to report prescribing policies related to black box medications. Please write your Representative today to urge co-sponsorship and enactment of this bill. As always, thank you for your advocacy in participating in the Commander's Action Network. |