Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs- Byrne SCIP

Project Abstract: Byrne SCIP Grant

Indiana is above the national average for both veteran and non-veteran suicide rates. Firearms are the leading cause of death by suicide in Indiana. Suicide is a national health crisis. Suicide is also preventable. The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) has entered the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (Governor’s Challenge) to reduce veteran and non-veteran suicides, focusing on gun violence and Lethal Means Safety. Through Lethal Means Safety, the IDVA plans to create and implement effective suicide prevention strategies and programs that target the risk factors associated with gun violence.  IDVA plans to increase awareness of suicide crisis recognition, provide safe and secure storage of weapons and other lethal means, and ensure the implementation of more mental health programs and resources for veterans and the community throughout the state of Indiana.