“Our collaborative, community-focused work is crucial to ensure Georgia’s veterans get the right help — where they are — when they need it,” AMES Director Brian Moore said.

GDVS and AMES were one of only eight teams to receive funding through the third year.

Since receiving initial funding in 2022, the GDVS and AMES has led to the completion of more than 7,000 suicide assessments across 134 counties in Georgia. 

GDVS and AMES have also partnered with local nonprofits and first responders agencies to develop and deliver evidence-based programs that enable them to identify risk factors for suicide and respond appropriately.

Additionally, GDVS and AMES co-hosted two state-wide summits focused on connecting communities to research and resources to reduce suicide, with 50 unique organizations in attendance, and partnered with the GDVS to host or participate in more than 75 outreach events.

“The Georgia Department of Veterans Service has been an amazing partner that enables a data-driven approach to promote health, well-being, and overall quality of life,” Moore said.

The focus of year one was developing a global screening tool that GDVS implemented. Then, AMES coordinated with the Georgia National Guard to collect data that captured community concerns. 

In year two, the team worked to begin directing resources and facilitating community connections.

During the third year of the project, GDVS and AMES will continue to build and enhance suicide prevention networks through the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide in Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families (SMVF). 

Georgia joined the Governor’s Challenge in 2020, an initiative launched by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Department of Veteran Affairs with the goal of providing a framework for identifying priorities, organizing efforts, and contributing to a national focus on veteran suicide prevention.

AMES also plans to increase engagement with veterans through targeted outreach in high-risk counties and continue to add to the Unite Georgia network to reduce gaps in community-based suicide prevention systems. 

Unite Georgia is a collaborative GDVS initiative looking to improve health and well-being across Georgia by connecting individuals with essential resources such as food assistance, housing, transportation, and healthcare services.

Ultimately, the AMES and GDVS partnership works to promote programs that enhance overall well-being and contribute to reductions in veteran suicide cases. 

— Story by Alyssa Ozment

— Photo by Darnell Wilburn