Be Connected

Suicide Prevention Month
2025-09-01 - 2025-09-30
Suicide Prevention Month is observed during September to raise awareness of the issue of suicide and promote efforts to prevent it. The month-long observance works to increase awareness of the warning signs and risk factors for suicide, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help, and promote access to resources and support. The significance of Suicide Prevention Month lies in its recognition of the devastating impact that suicide has on individuals, families, and communities, as well as the importance of taking action to prevent it. The month is marked by events and activities that educate the public about suicide prevention and provide resources and support for those who may be struggling.
Support is Available
The Be Connected Support Line, offered by the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, provides confidential, no-cost support to service members, veterans, and their family members. Call 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387) to connect with a team ready to help you navigate the programs, services, and benefits available to you. If you are experiencing a life-threatening crisis, please contact 9-1-1, or for urgent mental health support, call 9-8-8 and press 1.
Here are some constructive ways you can contribute to suicide prevention efforts:
1. Take in facts about suicide.

Veterans are at a higher risk for suicide.
Veterans have an adjusted suicide rate that is 52.3% greater than the non-veteran US adult population. Source: SAMHSA
People who have previously served in the military account for about 13.7% of suicides among adults in the United States. Source: VA
In 2019, 1.6% of former active-duty service members aged 18-25 years reported making a suicide attempt during the previous 12 months. This was an increase from 0.9% in 2009. Source: SAMHSA

2. Act with compassion. Seek to understand, and avoid making assumptions and judgments.
3. Learn to recognize concerning behaviors and signs of suicide.
4. Know what to do and how to seek assistance.

Call 9-1-1 if the situation is actively dangerous
Call 9-8-8 for crisis support 24/7
Share knowledge about The Brandon Act with service members.

5. Start a conversation and stay calm if someone you know exhibits concerning signs.

Ask if the person is thinking about suicide.
Be there. Don’t leave the person alone.
Connect them to resources such as 9-8-8 or take them to the Emergency Room

Our Suicide Prevention Work

Veteran Suicide Mortality Review Team
Our VA Funded Suicide Prevention Work
Understanding Veteran Suicide in Arizona
Upstream Suicide Prevention

National Service Dog Month
2025-09-01 - 2025-09-30
National Service Dog Month is a time to recognize and honor the contributions of service dogs in the lives of people with disabilities, veterans, and others who rely on the assistance of these highly trained animals. This month-long observance every September also raises awareness about the need for more service dogs to help people with a range of disabilities, including those with physical impairments, hearing or vision loss, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Service dogs are trained to assist with everyday tasks, such as opening doors, turning lights on and off, and retrieving items, and they can also provide emotional support and a sense of security for their handlers. National Service Dog Month is an opportunity to show appreciation for the valuable work that service dogs do and to support organizations that train and provide these dogs to those in need.
