--- title: NWBB Spotlights Suicide Prevention Month description: September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time when we can all come together to shine the light on what we can all do to participate in preventing suicide. image: https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hubfs/Suicide-Prevention-Day.png --- [![Northwest Battle Buddies - Logo](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Northwestbattlebuddies_January2023/images/Northwest-battle-buddies-logo.png "Northwest Battle Buddies - Logo")](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/) - Veterans - [Veterans](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/veterans) - [Program Overview](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/program-overview) - [Apply For a Service Dog](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/apply-for-a-service-dog) - [Vision of Hope](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/video-series-vision-of-hope) - [Resources](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/resources) - Service Dogs - [Service Dogs](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/nwbb-service-dogs) - [Foster a Puppy](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/nwbb-puppy-foster) - [KOA's Journey](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/service-dogs/video-series-koas-journey) - Support Our Veterans - [Donate](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/donate) - [Join ONQ](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/onq) - [Pledge-A-Pup](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/pledge-a-pup) - [Foster a Puppy](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/nwbb-puppy-foster) - [Become a Sponsor](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/become-a-sponsor) - [Custom Fundraisers](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/custom-fundraisers) - [Freedom Gala](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/freedom-gala) - [Memorials & Registries](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/memorials-registries) - [Wishlist](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/wishlist) - About - [About NWBB](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/about/about-nwbb) - [Leadership & Team](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/about/leadership-team) - [Affiliations](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/about/affiliations) - [NWBB in the News](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/about/nwbb-in-the-news) - [Stories](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/nwbb-stories) - [Contact Us](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/contact) - [Blog](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog) - [Events](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/events) [![Donate](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/23546662/4a1dc1b2-0297-43df-96b9-6f5d88d84a89.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/23546662/4a1dc1b2-0297-43df-96b9-6f5d88d84a89) ![](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hubfs/Suicide-Prevention-Day.png) # NWBB Spotlights Suicide Prevention Month Published by [Northwest Battle Buddies](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/author/northwest-battle-buddies) on Sep 7, 2023 8:30:00 AM Each year, thousands of American Heroes return home and face the invisible wounds of war, too often without the help and support they need. According to the VA’s most recent report, the suicide rate in 2020 was 57.3% times greater for Veterans than for non-Veteran U.S. adults, and every day we lose approximately 16 Veterans to suicide. Although some progress has been made in recent years, the report says that “more work is needed” to combat this difficult problem, and [a new campaign](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/ambitious-new-campaign-aims-reduce-veteran-suicide-rate/story?id=100777377) is hoping to cut the Veteran suicide rate in half by 2030.   When it comes to Veteran suicide, one life lost is too many. September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time when survivors, advocates, and mental health professionals come together to shine the light on suicide and what we can all do to participate in preventing it. Northwest Battle Buddies is committed to doing its part by providing professionally trained service dogs to as many Veterans as possible because we know it works. Read on to find out more about how PTSD and suicide impact Veterans and how your support of Northwest Battle Buddies can help.      ## What is PTSD?  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can happen as a result of experiencing trauma. Not all people who experience trauma develop PTSD, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. But one common thread is that PTSD gets in the way of a person’s ability to thrive and can increase the likelihood that they will attempt suicide. Our service dogs help mitigate the symptoms of PTSD, helping provide freedom and independence to American Heroes.     ![September - Suicide Prevention-NWBB-Blog-2](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hs-fs/hubfs/September%20-%20Suicide%20Prevention-NWBB-Blog-2.jpg?width=1920&height=1280&name=September%20-%20Suicide%20Prevention-NWBB-Blog-2.jpg) ## How does Northwest Battle Buddies combat Veteran suicide?  For Veterans who have gone through our program and been paired with a professionally trained service dog, Northwest Battle Buddies has a 100 percent suicide prevention rate. Our Veterans are leading happier and healthier lives with more independence as a result of our program and the support of their canine “battle buddy.” Watch [our video series, “A Vision of Hope,”](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/about/video-series-vision-of-hope) to learn more about our mission and hear firsthand how our program changes lives.      ## What is Operation Never Quit?  Operation Never Quit is a campaign inspired by one of our Veterans, Michael, who suffered so mightily from PTSD that he attempted to take his own life. With the help of his loved ones and intensive treatment, Michael made it through his darkest moment. A year later, Michael’s life changed forever when he was paired with River, one of Northwest Battle Buddies’ professionally trained service dogs. ONQ is a reminder that our commitment to helping American heroes is never over. To learn more about Operation Never Quit and how to sign up to be a monthly donor, [click here](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/operation-never-quit).    ![September - Suicide Prevention-NWBB-Blog-3](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hs-fs/hubfs/September%20-%20Suicide%20Prevention-NWBB-Blog-3.jpg?width=1920&height=1280&name=September%20-%20Suicide%20Prevention-NWBB-Blog-3.jpg) ## How can I support Veterans with PTSD?  If there is a Veteran in your life with PTSD, there are things you can do to support them. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers [a guide for talking with someone who is struggling](https://talkawaythedark.afsp.org/thinkingaboutsuicide/), and a new campaign from the 988 Lifeline suggests [several more ways you can “Be The One” to help](https://988lifeline.org/promote-national-suicide-prevention-month/) someone in crisis.     [Donating to Northwest Battle Buddies](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/donate) or [referring a Veteran to our program](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/apply-for-a-service-dog) is also a great option. [Click here](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/ways-to-help) for more ways to help NWBB prevent Veteran suicide, one dog at a time.    If you are a Veteran with PTSD, you are not alone. Call the nationwide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for help and support. This confidential, free support line has a specific option for Veterans seeking support, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.      [![Double Your Donation Today](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/23546662/51c4ae02-4217-4689-9833-3f5170277e59.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/23546662/51c4ae02-4217-4689-9833-3f5170277e59) Tags: [How to Support NWBB](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/tag/how-to-support-nwbb) [Back to Blog](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Related Articles ## [Preventing Veteran Suicide: 4 Promising Interventions](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/veteran-suicide-prevention) Veteran suicide is an ongoing crisis in our country. Our American Heroes fight for our nation and... [Read More](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/veteran-suicide-prevention) ## [PTSD Service Dog Tasks That Provide Support to Veterans](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/ptsd-service-dog-tasks) Most people are familiar with dogs for the visually impaired, or medical alert dogs, but you may... [Read More](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/ptsd-service-dog-tasks) ## [How Many Veterans Suffer From PTSD?](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/how-many-veterans-suffer-ptsd) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that affects many... [Read More](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/how-many-veterans-suffer-ptsd) ![Northwest Battle Buddies-logo](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Northwestbattlebuddies_January2023/images/northwest-battle-buddies-logo-footer.png?width=200&name=northwest-battle-buddies-logo-footer.png "Northwest Battle Buddies-logo") [Get Involved](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/ways-to-help) Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 45-4159178 © 2026 Northwest Battle Buddies ### Contact: 360.601.9744 [Email Us](mailto:office@northwestbattlebuddies.org) PO Box 2511 Battle Ground, WA 98604 360.601.9744 - Quick Links: - [Operation Never Quit](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/operation-never-quit) - [Veterans](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/veterans) - [Apply for a Dog](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/apply-for-a-service-dog) - [Donate](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/donate) - [Upcoming Events](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/events) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Northwest Battle Buddies", "url" : "https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/author/northwest-battle-buddies" }, "dateModified" : "2023-09-07T15:30:00.327Z", "datePublished" : "2023-09-07T15:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "NWBB Spotlights Suicide Prevention Month", "image" : [ "https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hubfs/Suicide-Prevention-Day.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/nwbb-spotlights-suicide-prevention-month", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "Northwest Battle Buddies" } } ```