VA S.A.V.E. Training

S.A.V.E. stands for “Signs of suicidal thinking,” “Ask the question,” “Validate the Veteran’s experience,” and “Encourage treatment and expedite getting help.” This training is what is known as “gatekeeper training” and is a recognized best practice in suicide prevention. Gatekeeper training, which imparts basic skills for talking to individuals in crisis, helps prepare members of the public to step in when someone they interact with is experiencing a crisis. While the presentation is geared towards Veterans, these skills and information are universal for everybody and can potentially save a life.