By now, you have probably heard of the sayings, "it takes one to know one" or, "who better to speak to veterans, than a fellow veteran?"

These sayings are the basis for a new approved VA Puget Sound and University of Washington Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Workshop that is now open for interested veterans.

A group of researchers currently looking for veteran volunteers are helping to pilot a new program that hopes to reduce suicide amongst the veteran community.

Researchers of this workshop are interested in how receiving supportive messages from a fellow veteran may reduce suicide risk. During the workshop, veterans will learn more about why veterans are often at an increased risk for suicide, and will also be asked to write a series of supportive messages to be mailed to a specific veteran in need.

The purpose of the letters and this brand new program is to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in high-risk veterans.

Just four hours of a veteran's time in this study could potentially produce supportive messages to veterans dealing with suicide ideations for more than six months.  This workshop will also provide the opportunity for veterans to work with and support fellow veterans in need.

Interested veterans that participate in the workshop will be asked to attend a four-hour letter writing workshop where you would:

• Complete a Consent and HIPAA Form

• Fill out a survey about your own background, mental health, and participate in the workshop

• Work with the researchers and other veterans to write six anonymous supportive messages

• Complete a one-month Follow-Up survey about your mental health and experiences with the workshop

For additional questions on this workshop or to sign up for this opportunity, please call the researching investigators at 206.277.6014.