Excelsior Life

Dr. Joseph Hunter, suicide prevention coordinator for the Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, joins the podcast to discuss suicide prevention training programs, including the VA’s Operation SAVE, and how they can are being used to lower veteran suicide rates. Judy Reed, director of veteran services and outreach at Excelsior College, talks about the importance of training academic advisors to identify risk factors and expedite help.   Part 1 – Interview with Dr. Hunter 1:25 How concerned is the VA with suicide rates among America’s veterans? 2:30 Operation SAVE, Veterans Crisis Line and other prevention programs. 3:58 Impact of campus-based VA prevention programs. 5:13 Biggest suicide risk factors and how to expedite help.   7:28 Where should veterans go for resources and help? Part 2 – Interview with Judy Reed 9:12 Why did the Center for Military Education bring Dr. Hunter to campus to train advisors? 10:19 “School was more stressful than combat.” 11:48 Refresher courses. 12:25 Excelsior