Free VA S.A.V.E. Training

Matheson Memorial Library is proud to partner with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to offer VA S.A.V.E. Training, a free, life-saving program designed to equip individuals with the skills to recognize and respond to Veterans in crisis. This training provides essential knowledge to help community members act with care and compassion when encountering a Veteran experiencing distress or thoughts of suicide.

The acronym S.A.V.E. outlines the critical steps in suicide prevention: 

• S: Know the Signs that indicate a veteran may be considering suicide.
• A: Ask the most crucial question: “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
• V: Validate the veteran’s experience and emotions.
• E: Encourage treatment and Expedite getting help.