VA Suicide Prevention PSA Campaign Launched January 5

As part of VA’s Suicide Prevention Initiative, public service announcements (PSA) have been developed to speak directly to veterans and their families. The first PSA released featured Actor Gary Sinise and targeted veterans directly. The latest PSA features TV personality Deborah Norville and includes key messages designed to help the families and loved ones of veterans recognize warning signs of potential suicide. The PSAs also provide helpful information to aid in support and intervention. This week, the Deborah Norville video PSA is being distributed to television stations in the top 50 markets. Television stations who don’t receive the initial distribution are encouraged to request a copy of the PSA by visiting the following website link: www.sonshine.com/client/dva/login.php.

In addition, audio-only versions of both the Norville and Sinise PSAs, in :30 and :60 broadcast lengths, are available in both .wav and .mpg formats. To download a broadcast quality version, simply visit this website link: www.sonshine.com/client/dva/login.php.

     Meanwhile, the Sinise PSA continues to enjoy very favorable reception by TV stations – over 2,000 airings since we released it two months ago..   You may view the Norville PSA on VHA’s Internet homepage http://www1.va.gov/health/index.asp. The Sinise PSA is posted on HVAC’s site: http://veterans.house.gov/spotlight/mentalhealth.shtml.