CALM Conversations for Veterans

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Conversations is a 90-minute workshop for a general audience. It requires no prior training in mental health or suicide prevention. This training is open to the public, with a primary focus on military service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers.

Many people do not access behavioral or physical health care despite having thoughts of being at risk of suicide. Yet many of them signal to others – directly or indirectly – that they are struggling. This interactive workshop will provide friends, family, and others with information on how to recognize and respond to suicide risk, with an additional focus on reducing access to lethal means – especially firearms. Participants learn to talk with someone who might have these thoughts in a collaborative, non-judgmental, and supportive manner.

Suicide among Veterans is at a crisis level. While we’ve made strides in recognizing the signs and providing help, there’s an urgent need to integrate suicide prevention practices within post-service culture, connect those in need to life-saving resources, and, most importantly, improve access to mental health care. Ohio’s sixth-largest Veteran population, at 689,000, is a stark reminder of this pressing need. Together, we share a concern for these issues, and by coming together, we can create a supportive community for those who need it.

Questions/General Information:
Jason Hughes, OCPSA
Program Manager | Veteran Liaison
Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
jason.hughes@ohiospf.org