MoWest hosts first military suicide prevention training day

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Missouri Western State University hosted its first military suicide prevention training day to strengthen participants’ ability to identify risk factors and respond appropriately. 

The training was tailored for three groups: counselors, law enforcement officers and MoWest faculty and staff.  

Clinical Psychologist Christina Menager said her goal is to educate therapists, counselors, social workers, and psychologists about the military and other service members, as well as their mental health and suicide prevention needs.  

Menager emphasized that veterans are present in every community and that it is essential for mental health professionals to understand how to effectively work with this group.  

“Its a public health issue. It affects everyone in this country. It is the second leading cause of death amongst individuals from 18 to 44 (years old),” Menager said.  

She also noted that suicide rates among veterans are approximately 1.6 times higher than those in the civilian population, underscoring why suicide prevention should be a concern for everyone.  

KQ2 will update this story.