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James Donaldson on Mental Health – How VA is taking action to prevent Veteran suicide – Part Two
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2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report contains seven strategies
Matthew Miller
Executive Director, Suicide Prevention
In our previous VA News article, I talked about the first two of seven strategies VA is taking to support Veterans at risk for suicide. In today’s article, you’ll learn about the next five.
Expanding crisis intervention services
VA offers many crisis prevention and intervention services, including the Veterans Crisis Line. We’re constantly working to enhance and refine these services to effectively provide Veterans with the resources they need.
One of our most recent projects, Caring Letters, works to support Veterans after they contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Over the course of a year, the program mails eight letters demonstrating ongoing support and reducing risks associated with isolation and lack of care. Recipients of the letters have reported feeling appreciated, cared for, supported, connected, encouraged, validated, heard and seen.
VA also supports Veterans outside VA programs and facilities. The COMPACT Act allows eligible Veterans in acute suicide crisis to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for no-cost emergency health care. This may include inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans don’t need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Through innovative projects and partnerships, VA provides suicide prevention resources in various settings, including firearms retailers and faith-based organizations.
Initiatives like Mission Daybreak create suicide prevention strategies that potentially benefit Veterans, like training enhancements, wellness checks and mental health tools. Programs from groups like ReflexAI and NeuroFlow reach Veterans across VAMCs, while Cabana and Televeda focus on specific communities, such as National Guard members and American Indian Veterans, respectively.
Advancing suicide prevention into non-clinical supports
In an attempt to reach all Veterans, not just those enrolled in VA, we’re expanding programs and initiatives into non-clinical areas, like financial, occupational, legal and social support services.
For example, the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) awards grants to community organizations providing or coordinating suicide prevention services. Since its launch in 2022, the program has awarded $157.5 million to 95 organizations across 43 states, U.S. territories and tribal lands. Early results show 80% of participants have improved in key areas, with 33% of participants new to VA services.
Enhancing mental health care access across the full continuum of care
We’re committed to increasing access to comprehensive mental health services across all stages of care.
The Suicide Prevention 2.0 Clinical Telehealth Program has received over 23,000 referrals and provided over 12,000 intake assessments since its launch. So far, we’ve seen significant reductions in suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms among participants. Efforts like REACH VET allow us to study data to proactively identify Veterans with increased risk for suicide, ensuring timely and appropriate care.
Integrating suicide prevention within medical settings
Incorporating suicide prevention strategies into medical environments ensures Veterans have access to critical support and enhances early identification and intervention for Veterans at risk.
The Clinical Interventions Program’s Risk Identification (Risk ID) focuses on making sure suicide risk assessment is included in routine medical care and has administered over 10 million suicide risk screenings since 2021. Safety planning for at-risk Veterans discharged from emergency care is a priority, with 92% of patients receiving safety plans before discharge.
How VA is taking action to prevent Veteran suicide in 2025
By combining data and community-based resources, we can identify, connect and support at-risk Veterans. If we can reach Veterans where they are with the resources they need, we can save more lives.
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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