AAS Military & Veterans Suicide Prevention Flashcards

According to VA data, the suicide rate among U.S. veterans compared to the general adult population is approximately:

Answer: 1.5 times higher after age adjustment

After adjusting for age and sex, veteran suicide rates are approximately 1.5 times higher than non-veteran adults in the United States.

The VA's primary evidence-based suicide prevention program that trains Veterans Service Organizations and community members is called:

Answer: S.A.V.E. (Signs, Ask, Validate, Expedite/Encourage)

S.A.V.E. is the VA's gatekeeper training program, designed to help veterans, family members, and VSO staff recognize and respond to suicide warning signs.

Which military-specific factor is strongly associated with elevated suicide risk among active-duty personnel and veterans?

Answer: Moral injury from combat or military service

Moral injury—the damage done when one perpetrates, witnesses, or fails to prevent acts that violate one's moral code—is a significant driver of suicide risk in military populations.

The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) is reached by dialing:

Answer: 988 and pressing 1

Veterans and service members can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255.

Which period after military separation has been identified as particularly high-risk for veteran suicide?

Answer: The first year after leaving military service

Research consistently identifies the transition period immediately following military separation as a peak period of suicide vulnerability due to loss of structure, identity, and social support.

The Department of Defense's primary suicide prevention program framework is known as:

Answer: ACE (Ask, Care, Escort)

ACE (Ask, Care, Escort) is the DoD's standard gatekeeper training model for military personnel to identify and respond to at-risk peers.