What we do: We are working on a 6-point strategy for lowering veteran suicide rates in Taos County: CLICK EACH NUMBER BELOW, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH STRATEGY Promote connectedness and help-seeking 1.1 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 1:Promote connectedness& help-seeking Action Item 1.1 Establish peer support programs specifically tailored to veterans living in rural areas. These programs can provide a platform for veterans to share their experiences, provide mutual support, and foster a sense of camaraderie. responsible partners/persons TWV Coordinator/Facilitator TWV Steering Committee members: Support the initiative Local Veteran Service Organizations: VSOs, VFWs, National Guard Community Health Centers and Clinics Veterans and families Employers and business community Local Faith-Based Organizations Educational Institutions resources needed Funding: to cover program expenses such as staff salaries, training materials, outreach efforts, and program evaluation. Training/workshop Materials and Curriculum Qualified Facilitators Space/venue Technology and Communication Tools Marketing and Outreach Materials Peer Support Network Resources Action steps/processes: Identify suitable meeting spaces for peer support groups to convene regularly. This may include community centers, libraries, churches, or veterans' halls. Identify Veteran prominent/heavy places: serve veterans where they are/bring resources to veterans. Create a phone tree in order for veterans to check in on eachother. Organize regular camaraderie-building activities that cater to the interests and preferences of veterans in rural areas. Activities may include outdoor excursions (e.g., fishing trips, hunting expeditions, hiking), group fitness classes, creative workshops (e.g., art therapy, woodworking), or agricultural projects (e.g., community gardens, farm-to-table initiatives). Joyful Art/Community Event: in late spring: work with NFO Arts classes, writers–SOMOS, musicians, bowl spinning, have food, invite community. Plan and host community outreach events such as town hall meetings, resource fairs, picnics, or veteran appreciation gatherings in rural areas. These events provide opportunities to connect with veterans, share information, and build rapport. Conduct door-to-door outreach in rural neighborhoods to personally connect with veterans and their families. Respect privacy and boundaries while offering information and support. Follow up with veterans who express interest or attend outreach events to provide ongoing support, answer questions, and connect them with relevant services. Maintain regular communication to build trust and rapport. Create an Excel Spreadsheet to track #/name of events, # of Veteran Served- (this can be tracked on Portal. - Use Monthly report to track - Send a report to Valentina) Send an outreach/training/workshop attendee report to Valentina by the end of the month. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of camaraderie-building initiatives and suicide prevention efforts within rural communities. Provide training and education sessions on suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and the importance of social connections within the veteran community. Develop or obtain training materials and curriculum for peer support program facilitators and participants. This may include manuals, handbooks, videos, and online resources covering topics. Leverage technology to facilitate virtual peer support meetings and communication among participants, especially in rural areas with limited access to in-person resources. Recruit and train qualified facilitators to lead peer support groups and provide guidance to participants. Facilitators should have a strong understanding of veterans' experiences, trauma-informed care principles, and effective communication skills. **We can consider partnering with mental health professionals or experienced peer support volunteers to provide training and ongoing support. Collect feedback from participants, track attendance and engagement metrics, and conduct periodic assessments to identify areas for improvement and measure program impact. Provide participants with resources and referrals to additional support services as needed, including mental health counseling, substance use treatment, financial assistance, housing support, and vocational training programs. Establish connections with local service providers and community resources to facilitate seamless referrals and access to care. completed: Restock TWV swag marketing materials Create a promotional/information flier/reference sheet for the steering committee. Jennifer can track and help organize events like the Paseo Project Arts for Military just completed. 6/10/23. Time frame - current - end of 2023. 1.2 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 1:Promote connectedness& help-seeking Action Item 1.2 Recognize the geographic challenges of rural areas and leverage technology to create virtual support networks for veterans. responsible partners/persons TWV Coordinator/Facilitator: Oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the virtual support network initiative. TWV Steering Committee members: Support the initiative IT Specialist: Manages the technical aspects of setting up and maintaining the virtual platform. Community Outreach Coordinator/Steering committee member: Engages with local veteran organizations, community leaders, and stakeholders to promote and facilitate participation in the virtual support network. Mental Health Professional: Provides guidance on best practices for supporting veterans' mental health needs within the virtual environment. resources needed Funding: Allocate resources for purchasing necessary software, hardware, and technical support services. Seek funding from government grants, private donations, corporate sponsorships, etc.. Technology Infrastructure: Ensure access to reliable internet connectivity and appropriate devices (e.g., computers, tablets, smartphones) for veterans participating in the virtual support network. Virtual Platform: Choose a secure and user-friendly virtual platform for hosting online meetings, discussion forums, and peer support groups. Consider platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or dedicated online support communities. Training Materials: Develop training materials and resources to educate veterans on how to use the virtual platform effectively and engage in virtual support activities. Case management system: This could be used for supporting a veteran gain access to VA healthcare and benefits. Action steps/processes: Research and select a suitable virtual platform that meets the technical requirements, security standards, and usability preferences of the target audience. Set up the chosen virtual platform Develop training materials and conduct orientation sessions to familiarize veterans with the virtual platform, its features, and guidelines for respectful communication and engagement. Launch the virtual support network and promote it through various channels, including social media, veteran organizations' websites, newsletters, and word-of-mouth referrals. Provide ongoing facilitation and support to ensure veterans feel comfortable and supported in navigating the virtual environment. Regularly assess the effectiveness of the virtual support network through participant feedback, usage metrics, and outcome evaluations. Develop a sustainability plan to ensure the long-term viability of the virtual support network, including strategies for funding, staffing, and community engagement beyond the initial implementation phase. 1.3 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 1:Promote connectedness& help-seeking Action Item 1.3 Launch awareness campaigns within rural communities to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and encourage veterans to prioritize their well-being. responsible partners/persons TWV Coordinator/Facilitator TWV Steering Committee members: Support the initiative Local Veteran Service Organizations: VSOs, VFWs, National Guard Community Health Centers and Clinics Veterans and families resources needed Funding: Education materials Technology and communication tools Action steps/processes: Search for funding Develop informational brochures, posters, flyers, and pamphlets that provide accurate information about mental health, common mental health conditions, available resources, and strategies for self-care and help-seeking. Disseminate information and engage with the community. Invest in website development Leverage social media, and digital advertising services if necessary. Utilize various communication channels, such as local newspapers, radio stations, community bulletin boards, and social media platforms, to reach veterans and their families. Establish connections with local media Improve communication among veteran-serving programs 2.1 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 2:Improve communications across veteran-serving programs Action Item 2.1 Host a luncheon for Veterans and their families to increase awareness of programs and services responsible partners/persons Together with Veterans Steering Committee members Veterans Off-Grid resources needed Funding Venue Outreach and advertising materials Action steps/processes: Schedule our 2nd luncheon in Penasc0 completed Scheduled our first luncheon during Veterans Day 2023 in Taos at VOG 2.2 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 2:Improve communications across veteran-serving programs Action Item 2.2 Join Unite Us to improve relationship building and resource development to better support Taos County Veterans. responsible partners/persons Together with Veterans Steering Committee Unite Us VNL resources needed UniteUs-referral system Action steps/processes: Asset Mapping: VA, REd Cross, USO, NFO, VOG, TWV, 100% TCI, American Legion, VUB, TAos Pueblo Veterans, MAS Comunidad, Behavioral Health agencies, Medical agencies, Dennis Romero–Taos LEAD 2.3 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 2:Improve communications across veteran-serving programs Action Item 2.3 Leverage the Asset Mapping tool to bridge communication gaps between agencies. responsible partners/persons Together with Veterans Steering Committee Unite Us VNL Roxanne George resources needed VNL partner ToolKit Action steps/processes: Challenge: How do we continue to keep communications between agencies open? Asset Mapping: VA, REd Cross, USO, NFO, VOG, TWV, 100% TCI, American Legion, VUB, TAos Pueblo Veterans, MAS Comunidad, Behavioral Health agencies, Medical agencies, Dennis Romero–Taos LEAD 2.4 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 2:Improve communications across veteran-serving programs Action Item 2.4 Develop a newsletter: Phase 1 shares what we’re doing with the community, Phase 2 spreads information about events and resources. responsible partners/persons Together with Veterans Steering Committee, Jennifer Ammann resources needed Funding Action steps/processes: Communicating: Stand Down Event was a mixer for agencies, not many veterans were there; how to spread the word to veterans–goes back to Strategy 1–go to where they are: Food Distribution, Cannabis shops, etc Valentina: create data sheets for each strategy Create landing page for TWV separate but connected to VOG website; also Social media pages–Jennifer to work with Rich Kalenka/VOG case manager Brochure re: TWV Taos–hire Julia Henzerling–Jennifer to arrange Jennifer: Start building newsletter, inputting contact list to mailchimp T-shirts, ball caps, beanies: Hire Sarah Hart to design, work with Guerrilla Graphix–Jennifer to arrange Provide suicide prevention training 3.1 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 3:Provide suicide prevention training Action Item 3.1 Facilitate/schedule four QPR Suicide Prevention Gate Keeper trainings for the community to increase education of early signs of suicide and appropriate assisting of people at risk by 2024. responsible partners/persons Recommend Rich Kalenka, the VOG Case Manager can organize, advertise, sign people up; ensure training happens in communities outside the Town of Taos, too–Carson, Questa, Penasco. resources needed Funding, venue Action steps/processes: All Steering Committee members are QPR trained QPR at: DreamTree, Questa, Penasco, Taos Pueblo, Carson Train more trainers to train QPR Pay $150/training Jennifer to meet with Rich; week of 6/19 Connect with Rich Kalenka to schedule training for Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Gate Keeper training Train-the-trainer certifications. Schedule QPR training at Carson Cafe on Dec. 13 Schedule QPR training for Jan or Feb 2024 Promote lethal means safety 4.1 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 4:Promote lethal means safety Action Item 4.1 Host a luncheon for Veterans and their families to increase awareness of programs and services responsible partners/persons Together with Veterans Steering Committee, Dennis Romero resources needed Marketing materials, training materials and promotional one-pagers to share Action steps/processes: Reach out to gunshops - Gunslingers, Big 5, Walmart Connect with Dennis Romero/LEAD Prescription take back events, gun locks 4.2 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 4:Promote lethal means safety Action Item 4.2 Develop two Little Love Libraries to increase awareness of lethal means safety responsible partners/persons Together with Veterans Steering Committee, Tripp resources needed Funding Action steps/processes: Signs at the bridge Stages of prevention: catch at bridge, catch before going Connect with TruKids1 to make signs, videos re: suicide, at the Bridge particularly Support Tripp’s organization: what assistance do they need 4.3 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 4:Promote lethal means safety Action Item 4.3 Gather and share key data with the Carson Community to guide decisions and allocate resources for supporting veterans, addressing mental health concerns, and promoting lethal means safety. responsible partners/persons TWV Coordinator/Facilitator Task a designated individual or team with coordinating data collection, analysis, and sharing efforts (someone from steering committee + Coordinator/Facilitator) Engage relevant stakeholders, including local government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and veterans' groups, in the process. Partnerships identified: local government agencies healthcare providers law enforcement veterans' organizations mental health professionals Native American Community (Taos Pueblo leadership): Note: a primary lethal means is alcohol, slowly drinking to death Grant funding coming into the community use data count from Taos Pueblo but then the resources don’t make it to the Pueblo; note: alcohol is not considered a lethal means for suicide but on the Pueblo it very much is. resources needed Data Collection–surveys, interviews, data collection forms, and access to relevant databases. Data Analysis Software–Statistical analysis tools and software for processing and interpreting data. Meeting spaces/venue Funding–materials and supplies for meetings, online software Action steps/processes: Data to gather: Total population data for the Carson Community, including demographics and geographic distribution. Suicide data, specifically focusing on rates, trends, and risk factors within the community. Rural data highlighting challenges, access to healthcare, and resources available in rural areas. Number of veterans in Taos, distinguishing between those born and raised locally and those who relocated from elsewhere. Collaborate with local government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations to access population and suicide data. Utilize census data, healthcare records, and community surveys to gather information on rural demographics and veteran populations. Compile gathered data into a comprehensive report or presentation format. Share the findings with the Carson Community through town hall meetings, community forums, or online platforms. Engage community stakeholders, including veterans' organizations, local leaders, healthcare providers, and residents, in discussions about the implications of the data and potential strategies for addressing identified needs. Note new actions items. Enhance primary care suicide prevention 5.1 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 5:Enhance primary care suicide prevention Action Item 5.1 Facilitate an Asset Mapping among healthcare or health related organizations to better understand the challenges and gaps. responsible partners/persons Together with Veterans Steering Committee, VNL resources needed Funding Action steps/processes: Asset Mapping: Holy Cross Hospital, VA, Taos Whole Health, DOH, Questa - PMS, Women’s Health Institute, Mountain Home Health Care, VA - Albuquerque, Urgent Care, IHS, TCCY, Schreiber’s, El Centro Penasco, Family Practice, Acupuncturists, Alternative Medicine, Wellness. Asking clinics/hospitals, “Do care providers screen for veterans?” Note: We are limiting ourselves to our meetings 5.2 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 5:Enhance primary care suicide prevention Action Item 5.2 Increase awareness and relationship building with clinics and share about TWV; Distribute Suicide Prevention ToolKit—download from website, print. responsible partners/persons Together with Veterans Steering Committee resources needed Funding, marketing materials, training materials and promotional one-pagers to share Action steps/processes: 5.3 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 5:Enhance primary care suicide prevention Action Item 5.3 Participate in existing community meetings to share about TWV. responsible partners/persons Together with Veterans Steering Committee resources needed Funding, marketing materials, training materials and promotional one-pagers to share Action steps/processes: Research what meetings we need to attend and participate in Develop one pagers Develop and distribute brochures to share with partners Enhance behavioral health suicide prevention 6.1 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 6:Enhance behavioral health suicide prevention Action Item 6.1 Facilitate an Asset Mapping among behavioral health and health related organizations to better understand the challenges and gaps. responsible partners/persons Together with Veterans Steering Committee, VNL resources needed Funding, marketing materials, training materials and promotional one-pagers to share Action steps/processes: Asset Mapping: TBH, Team Builders, Rio Grande ATP, Recovery Friendly Taos, VOG Case Manager has list of therapists in county who treat veterans; VA - Espanola clinicians works with VOG veterans; Angel Fire Retreat Center: director@veteranswellnessandhealing.org Approach: What have you seen? What do you think is needed? 6.2 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 6:Enhance behavioral health suicide prevention Action Item 6.2 Host a Behavioral Health Providers Breakfast to increase awareness and relationship building. responsible partners/persons Together with Veterans Steering Committee, Jennifer Ammann resources needed Funding, venue Action steps/processes: Schedule breakfast Add new actions into the plan 6.3 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 6:Enhance behavioral health suicide prevention Action Item 6.3 Conduct military informed training twice a year to increase military culture awareness. responsible partners/persons Steering Committee veteran member, Detox staff members resources needed Funding, venue, QPR trainer Action steps/processes: Ask steering committee veteran members if this is a training they would like to facilitate for the community. Create a flyer for this training Tailor VA/TWV military culture presentation for Taos county community https://deploymentpsych.org/blog/staff-perspective-self-paced-online-military-culture-course 6.4 M together with veterans taos strategies Strategic action 6:Enhance behavioral health suicide prevention Action Item 6.4 Host narcan training, awareness training, Columbia suicide prevention training, crisis response and trauma response informed care unit, community wide suicide prevention training. responsible partners/persons Taos Alive, Steering committee members resources needed Funding,Venue and Logistics Action steps/processes: Secure Training Facilitators: Ask Taos alive if existing training they're facilitating is something TWVs can collaborate on. Training Curriculum Development Promotion and Outreach: Create a flyer for these trainings, and develop a promotional plan to raise awareness and generate interest. Implement a registration process for participants to sign up for the training sessions. We can leverage event brite and/or google forms Survey: Collect feedback from participants following each training session to assess its effectiveness, relevance, and impact. Use evaluation data to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in future training efforts. Develop a plan for sustaining and expanding training initiatives over time. 6.5 M together with veterans taos strategies Thinking ahead Action Item 6.5 Establish a trauma informed care unit and/or crisis care unit. responsible partners/persons Government agencies, behavioral health providers, non-profit organizations, Veterans and families, community leaders and stakeholders, resources needed Funding, set building/location Action steps/processes: Funding: Secure funding and resources for establishing and maintaining the trauma-informed care unit and/or crisis care unit. Allocate resources for staffing, training, facility setup, equipment, and ongoing operational expenses. Partnership Development: Forge partnerships with local mental health organizations, community centers, and other relevant stakeholders. Partner with community-based mental health organizations that focus on trauma-informed care and crisis interventions. Engage community centers that provide recreational and social support services for veterans, offering opportunities for peer support groups and community integration activities. Other relevant stakeholders may include local law enforcement agencies, emergency services, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions **all of which can contribute resources and support to the initiative. Collaborate with veteran service organizations, peer support groups, and advocacy organizations to ensure a holistic approach to care. Staff Training and Development: Provide specialized training for staff members on trauma-informed care principles, crisis intervention techniques, and understanding the unique needs of veterans. Ensure staff members are trained in cultural competency and sensitivity to effectively engage with diverse veteran populations.
