OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson signed a proclamation renewing the state’s dedication to preventing suicide among service members, veterans and their families.
This initiative is part of the Governor’s Challenge, a nationwide effort involving all states and territories.
“We need the help of all Washingtonians and I urge everybody to raise awareness of the support services that are available for suicide prevention.” Gov. Ferguson said in a press release.
The Governor’s Challenge focuses on identifying at-risk individuals, promoting connectedness and increasing safety measures.
“Suicide and death by suicide impacts all of us very deeply, whether it’s a neighbor, friend, or a family member,” Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Nicole Vreeland, said in the release.
The initiative includes new resources such as a dedicated website, training programs and safety toolkits.
Governor Ferguson urges those who knows people experiencing mental health crises to contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 and pressing 1 for veterans.
