PREVENTS – REACH to those in need

On March 5, 2019, the President signed Executive Order 13681, The President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS).  The objective of this task force is to develop a comprehensive roadmap for a holistic approach to suicide prevention and change the culture around mental health for Veterans and the nation.

Unlike previous efforts to combat suicide across the nation, eight Cabinet-level agencies and four directorates have been tasked to work together to develop a roadmap to assist Veterans and all citizens in suicide prevention.

The first recommendation presented in the PREVENTS roadmap is to “create and implement a national public health campaign focused on suicide prevention for Veterans and all Americans.”  This recommendation has commenced with the release of the REACH Campaign which was unveiled on July 7, 2020.

“The REACH campaign is for everyone. Please join us. When we REACH to those in need, we will provide hope. When we REACH because we are hurting, we will find help. When we REACH, we will prevent suicide.”

Suicide is completely preventable.  By understanding the risk factors and helping at risk persons to attain the protective factors, anyone can prevent suicide.

Risk factors include a prior suicide attempt, chronic health concerns/pain, history of mental illness, financial issues, relationship difficulties, poor quality of life and/or access to lethal means

Protective factors include access to physical and mental health care, sense of mission or purpose, satisfying interpersonal relationships, financial stability, high quality of life.

Check back here for updates to the REACH Campaign and PREVENTS