Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
Goal Statement: I want to reduce veteran suicide in Berkeley County South Carolina by developing a program based on Social Cognitive Theory and Community Organizing Theory which fosters relationships among veterans and helps them integrate within the civilian community. Significant Findings: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and is particularly prominent in the military veteran community which experiences a suicide rate 1.5 times greater than the civilian population (US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), 2022). As of the 2022 US census, Berkeley County, SC is home to over 20,600 and can expect to have approximately 7 veteran suicides in 2023. The consequences of veteran suicide extend beyond the loss of life with negative impacts on personal connections like friends and family members, community upheaval and cost, and institutional burdens. It is important for helping and prevention professionals to view suicide as a downstream result of numerous upstream challenges which can be identified and mitigated to prevent suicidality among the veteran population. Challenges that exist in the veteran population exist at the personal, interpersonal, community, and societal levels and are fortunately often counterbalanced by strengths.
