May 12, 2025 - OLYMPIA - Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson recently signed a proclamation renewing the state’s dedication to the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families (SMVF). This initiative, in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), unites all 50 states and five territories in a collaborative effort to implement comprehensive suicide prevention strategies for SMVF. 

“We need the help of all Washingtonians and I urge everybody to raise awareness of the support services that are available for suicide prevention,” said Gov. Ferguson during the proclamation signing. “I urge all people in our state to raise awareness of behavioral health, suicide prevention, lethal means safety, and the support services available in our communities. Together we must encourage those in need to reach out for help, hope, and community” 

The Governor’s Challenge has three focused priority areas:  

This public health approach incorporates a multitude of community partnerships with various legislators, state and federal agencies, tribes, and community organizations who are collaborating to establish best practices for reducing deaths by suicide among SMVF.   

Part of the renewed launch of the Governor’s Challenge includes: 

“We want to create a ‘No Wrong Door’ approach for Veterans who are in need of care, especially around the issue of suicide”, said Dr. Larry Pruitt, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound, who has been part of the Governor’s Challenge since its origination in 2020. 

The Governor’s Challenge team will continue efforts and a commitment to maintain the necessary work to support SMVF, especially in a time of crisis.   

“Suicide and death by suicide impacts all of us very deeply, whether it’s a neighbor, friend, or a family member, and it can be very profound on the community” said Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Nicole Vreeland. 

The Governor’s Challenge will focus on key objectives to combat SMVF suicide across Washington state: 

• Implement promising, best, and evidence-based practices to prevent and reduce suicide at the local level. 

• Define and measure success, including defining assignments, deadlines, and measurable outcomes to be reported. 

“The work that this group and the community is doing behind this to serve our Veterans, service members, and families is really essential so we can reduce Veteran suicide,” said WDVA Director David Puente, Jr., who reiterated the importance of the Governors Challenge work being done. One of the key points is being able to “ask the question” of individuals who may be contemplating self-harm behavior or suicidal ideation.   

Death by suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among Veterans in Washington state, with 194 Veterans losing their lives to this form of tragedy. Washington State is home to approximately 502,000 Veterans, 65,000 service members, and over two million military and Veteran family members, who are at higher risk of death my suicide than their civilian counterparts.  

In 2024 through the Governor’s Challenge groups, more than 3,100 safe storage devices were distributed, including cable locks, trigger locks, and locking boxes for securely storing firearms and medications. 

Gov. Ferguson is shown the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline license plate emblems. Proceeds raised from purchases benefit SMVF suicide prevention efforts. 

If you or anyone is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, by dialing 988, press 1 for Veterans.  Together, with the help and support of multiple partners in the community, Washington state can continue the fight to eliminate death by suicide among service members, Veterans and their families.   

For more information on the Governor’s Challenge, please visit the website at https://dva.wa.gov/councils-committees/washington-state-governors-challenge