Across the country, too many Veterans struggle to find timely, trusted support when they’re going through a hard moment. Safeguard Veterans exists to change that—not by creating something new, but by strengthening what communities already do well.
Safeguard Veterans is a one-year pilot research program funded by the VA Office of Suicide Prevention being tested in six U.S. cities. It brings together proven approaches, community partners, and local systems of care to help Veterans get the right support faster—and stay connected to it. The goal is simple but urgent: reduce Veteran suicide risk by improving how communities recognize need, respond early, and help Veterans move forward with support.
Rather than launching new programs, Safeguard bundles 13 peer-proven approaches that already work—training, tools, and coordination models—and tests how they function together in real communities. This allows partners to build stronger connections across hospitals, mental health providers, community organizations, faith groups, and Veteran-serving organizations.
Veterans don’t experience crisis in silos—and neither should the response.
A Veteran might show up in an emergency department, talk with a peer at a community organization, or reach out to a faith leader before ever connecting to clinical care. Safeguard focuses on closing the gaps between those moments, so Veterans get to the right support, no matter what door they enter.
This research helps answer important questions:
The answers help shape future systems of care that are more human, more connected, and easier to navigate.
All activities are part of a pilot research program and time-limited, with findings used to inform future suicide prevention efforts.
Safeguard is currently active in six pilot cities across the United States. Each location works with local partners to tailor implementation while contributing to a shared learning effort. This approach allows the research to reflect real-world differences while staying connected to a common goal.
Preventing Veteran suicide isn’t about a single program or provider. It’s about showing up—consistently, compassionately, and together. Safeguard helps communities turn care into connection, and connection into support Veterans can actually feel.
