Suicide Prevention Is Everyone’s Mission: A Call to Action During Suicide Prevention Month

By: Matthew Miller, PhD, MPH

Suicide prevention is typically a subject that draws our attention for deeply personal, often painful, reasons. I became heavily invested in suicide prevention following the death of a Marine friend and colleague while we were serving together during OEF/OIF. John's death ushered a new period in my life of intense review of basic why, what, and how questions. From this experience and the years that ensued, I've learned to base suicide prevention efforts upon foundational truths, at least three, to be specific.

Each September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month reminds us of three guiding principles: suicide is preventable; suicide prevention requires a public health approach; and everyone has a role to play.

The data tell us that prevention works. While Veteran suicide remains a significant public health challenge, evidence-based interventions continue to demonstrate measurable impact. The 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report found that suicide rates among Veterans receiving VHA care with mental health or substance use disorder diagnoses declined by 34.7% between 2001 and 2023. Significant reductions were also observed among Veterans with diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, demonstrating the value of evidence-based clinical interventions and sustained engagement in care.

These outcomes reinforce what research has consistently shown. Safety planning in emergency departments, lethal means safety initiatives, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention have all demonstrated effectiveness in reducing suicide risk. Such interventions save lives by helping individuals navigate periods of crisis while strengthening long-term protective factors.

At the same time, suicide prevention cannot be limited to clinical settings. A public health approach recognizes that suicide risk is influenced by factors far beyond an individual's mental health status. Employment, financial stability, housing, social connectedness, and community belonging all shape risk and resilience. Research has demonstrated decreases in suicide rates in communities that invest in programs addressing economic opportunity, financial resources, and legal or justice-related supports.

This broader perspective is especially important for Veterans. The VA's report emphasizes the importance of hope, purpose, community, and comprehensive support systems in reducing suicide risk and strengthening Veteran wellbeing. Strong communities foster connection, reduce isolation, and help Veterans maintain a sense of meaning and belonging.

When viewed through this lens, everyone becomes part of the solution.

Families and friends are often the first to notice changes in mood, behavior, or circumstances. Neighbors, coworkers, faith leaders, and community members can provide connection and support during difficult times. Importantly, we know that asking someone directly about suicide does not "plant the idea." Rather, opening the door to an honest conversation can be life-saving. Simply checking in, listening without judgment, and helping connect someone to resources can make a profound difference.

Organizations and businesses also have an essential role to play. They can invest in community-based suicide prevention initiatives, support local job and career programs, sponsor grants that strengthen Veteran-serving organizations, and help create networks that connect Veterans with critical resources. These efforts address the social determinants that influence wellbeing and resilience while expanding access to support beyond traditional health care environments.

Just as importantly, organizations must evaluate whether their efforts are producing meaningful outcomes. Understanding what works, what can be improved, and where resources create the greatest impact is essential to advancing Veteran suicide prevention.

This is where the Military, Veteran & Family Center of Excellence (MVF COE), deployed by A-G Associates, is uniquely positioned to contribute. The MVF COE serves as an innovation and impact hub focused on strengthening the wellbeing, resilience, and mental health of military-connected communities through applied research, program evaluation, data analytics, and strategic engagement. Its capabilities include program evaluation, performance measurement, outcomes tracking, evidence translation, and organizational capacity building designed to help partners make informed, data-driven decisions.

This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, let us remember that preventing Veteran suicide is not solely the responsibility of clinicians or health systems. It is a shared mission that belongs to all of us. By combining evidence-based care, strong community supports, strategic partnerships, and rigorous evaluation, we can build a future where more Veterans find hope, connection, purpose, and the support they need to thrive.

Because suicide is preventable, public health matters, and every one of us has a role to play. The lives of our friends, families, and community members depend on it.

About the Author

Dr. Matthew Miller, Vice President, Military, Veteran & Family Center of Excellence (MVF COE)

Matthew Miller, PhD, MPH, is a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran with more than two decades in military and veteran healthcare. Dr. Miller previously served as Executive Director for VA Suicide Prevention, Executive Director of the PREVENTS Presidential Taskforce, and Director of the Veterans Crisis Line. He holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University and an MPH from the University of Michigan. Dr. Miller is nationally recognized for innovative approaches to crisis intervention and community engagement, fostering collaboration, and achieving unprecedented outcomes in veteran suicide reduction.