Gun Laws And 2a
Clinic launches suicide prevention campaign for women veterans
Clinic launches suicide prevention campaign for women veterans
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Norfolk, Virginia
NORFOLK, Va. -- This September, the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at the Up Center in Virginia Beach has launched a vital campaign aimed at raising awareness for what it refers to as an overlooked mental health crisis: the distressingly high rate of suicide among women veterans.
The numbers are startling. Women veterans are now dying by suicide at nearly twice the rate of their civilian counterparts – a trend that has seen a significant uptick in the post-9/11 era. While all veterans face higher rates of suicide when compared to civilian populations, women who have served in the military encounter unique challenges both during their service and in the daunting systemic gaps that persist upon their return to civilian life.
In observance of National Suicide Prevention Month, the "Have Her Six" campaign was born; the name referencing the military phrase "got your six," which denotes having someone's back. This public awareness initiative shines a light on the critical issue of suicide among military women, shares prevention strategies specifically tailored to their needs, and encourages broader communal support for those who served.
Tanetta Hassell, director of the clinic, underscores the particular hurdles that female veterans face within and beyond military service, stating that a disproportionate number grapple with military sexual trauma and intimate partner violence. These issues frequently go untreated during their time in the armed forces and can lead to feelings of isolation once they transition to civilian life. "We meet our women veteran clients where they are," says Hassell, aiming to alleviate barriers that women often encounter in various healthcare settings.
The Cohen Clinic prides itself on offering veterans the opportunity to be seen within just 10 days of initial contact, without regard to insurance status or ability to pay. They also provide childcare—an often-overlooked barrier to accessing mental health services.
Furthermore, the clinic collaborates with agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and United Way for outreach while actively engaging in social media to advertise their services.
Research conducted by the clinic reveals troubling misconceptions regarding suicide risks among women veterans, particularly in relation to firearms. In a study conducted in 2022, it was determined that veteran women were over 144 percent more likely to die by firearm suicide compared to their non-veteran counterparts. What's particularly alarming is that many women veterans find themselves disconnected from the VA or are ineligible for its care.
Hassell reflects, "There’s a misunderstanding that women veterans are less resilient or unwilling to seek care, but that does not tell the full story. At our clinic, 20 percent of our military clients are women, which is nearly double the proportion of women in the overall U.S. veteran population."
With over 2 million women veterans currently in the United States, this demographic represents the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population. Hassell concludes her message with a powerful reminder to women veterans: "We are here for you. We know how resilient you are; you have overcome so much. It's safe — you're eligible for our care, no questions asked."
As women veterans continue to emerge as a pivotal demographic within the armed forces, initiatives like the "Have Her Six" campaign are crucial to acknowledge their unique challenges and articulate paths toward healing and support.
The rising suicide rates among women veterans highlight a pressing mental health crisis often overshadowed by broader statistics. Early reports suggest that further data is needed to unravel the complex interplay between military service, mental health, and access to care—especially in an era where women veterans are the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population. Acknowledging these factors is not just a moral imperative; it echoes through the community and calls for a systematic response from policymakers and veterans’ organizations alike. The success of campaigns like "Have Her Six" could serve as a model for comprehensive support systems that prioritize women veterans' unique experiences, thereby fostering resilience and reducing stigma. It's critical that both advocates and stakeholders recognize the urgency of addressing these needs.