Veteran perspectives on priority areas for rural community-level suicide prevention

Abstract: Suicide rates are higher in rural areas of the United States, especially among veterans, and rural areas face many challenges that can affect the health of residents. This is the first known effort to identify priority areas for rural community suicide prevention among veterans from the perspective of those living in high-risk areas. Qualitative interviews (n = 28) were conducted with veterans residing in rural communities in Oregon, which were previously identified as areas with higher-than-expected suicide rates (i.e., hotspots). Veteran participants were asked questions about their experiences living in their communities, levels of community awareness of veteran suicide, and their perspectives on how to address suicide in their communities. Data were analyzed using inductive, open coding. Initial findings were discussed with two stakeholder groups, and findings were then distilled into a set of priority recommendations. Findings indicated three main recommendations for future research and programming for rural veteran suicide prevention: (a) increase capacity, accessibility, and awareness of socioeconomic resources, (b) strengthen access to person-centered health care, and (c) build a stronger sense of community cohesion. Identifying ways to enhance socioeconomic resources by supporting and expanding the currently available resources and organizations within rural communities should be further explored. Methods: to increase access to care while retaining a person-centered approach may help ensure rural veterans seek care when needed. Finally, striving to support a stronger psychological sense of community among residents in rural areas should be considered important for rural community suicide prevention.