MOSES LAKE – Gov. Bob Ferguson recently signed a proclamation reaffirming Washington’s commitment to veteran suicide prevention. The proclamation comes amidst rising concerns about mental health challenges facing vets, with the rate of veteran suicide in Washington exceeding the national average, according to a statement from Ferguson. 

“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 Ferguson during the proclamation signing.  

According to the proclamation, suicide is a national public health crisis resulting in more than 49,000 deaths annually, with veterans accounting for approximately 16% of these tragically preventable losses. In Washington alone, suicide ranks as the tenth leading cause of death, and nearly 73% of veteran suicide cases involve firearms, highlighting the need for targeted intervention. 

“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 said. 

Lethal means safety is defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as carefully managing access to the means, for example, firearms and lethal medications, by which someone may take their life.  

His commitment ties into the Washington State Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families, launched in 2020 to utilize a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention. 

Parts of the renewed launch include a newly created website with available suicide prevention resources, which can be found here: bit.ly/4dp23bg. The website includes information for upcoming trainings, toolkits, resources across Washington and a program overview video.  

Anthony Garcia, the Grant County Veterans Services Officer, said the proclamation was important. He reiterated that suicide is particularly pressing among veterans.  

Garcia said many veterans struggle to transition back into civilian life after service, citing “the change into the culture” as a significant hurdle.  

“Some veterans just can’t fit that mold anymore,” he said, alluding to the psychological challenges that often arise during reintegration. 

The Governor's Challenge promotes collaboration between various governmental and non-governmental agencies to establish a robust support framework for veterans. This includes engaging local communities in awareness campaigns, accessing mental health resources and implementing evidence-based practices that address the unique needs of veterans and service members. 

"The biggest thing is getting the information out there," Garcia said. "If people know there are resources available, it can save lives."  

He highlighted the efforts of his office, which provides vital services to veterans, including access to mental health care and assistance with navigating the complexities of the Veterans Affairs system. Garcia said his office is hoping to expand to other resources in the upcoming months. 

At the Grant County Veterans Services Office, veterans can find resources such as free counseling sessions with local mental health professionals.  

For example, Robert Bates, a counselor contracted to provide mental health care, collaborates with Garcia’s office to offer free support to veterans in the area.  

“As long as a veteran can prove their service, they can receive mental health care from Robert,” Garcia said. 

Bates is in the office on Mondays and Fridays. Garcia said veterans can call the office and schedule a free appointment at any time.  

Garcia also noted the challenges faced in rural areas like Grant County, where access to mental health resources can be limited. To combat that, Garcia is working to bring more resources into his office. 

"The goal is to create a one-stop shop for veterans, where they can find all the help they need under one roof,” he said. 

Ferguson's proclamation emphasizes several key focus areas, including identifying high-risk individuals and enhancing community connectedness.  

“If we can build a place here where every Tuesday or Wednesday there's something available for veterans, it becomes much easier for them to find help,” Garcia said.  

Local outreach initiatives, along with broader awareness campaigns inspired by the proclamation, are intended to foster a supportive environment for veterans facing mental health challenges, Garcia said.  

For veterans in need of immediate support, Garcia urges them to reach out to him and inquire about available services.  

“The biggest thing is finding those resources,” he said, as he encouraged veterans to take the first step in seeking help by contacting his office or any available community organizations. 

State resources, including the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, also provide essential support and services.  

Veterans experiencing a mental health crisis can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text "Veteran" to 838255.  

“This is just the beginning; we need to keep talking about these issues and providing the necessary resources,” Garcia said.  

Grant County Veteran Services  

1008 West Ivy Ave. 

Moses Lake, WA 99837 

509-754-2011 ext. 5255 

509-855-4097 

[email protected] 

Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Walk-in hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

    Gov. Bob Ferguson recently signed a proclamation regarding the state’s commitment to preventing suicide among service members, veterans and their families. In 2024 more than 3,100 safe storage devices were distributed, including cable locks, trigger locks and locking boxes for securely storing firearms and medications, according to Ferguson’s office.