Qnnections: A Social Connection‑Focused Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ+ Veterans
Official title: Qnnections: A Novel Suicide Prevention Intervention for Increasing Social Connection Among Vulnerable Veterans
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11551480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new group-based program tailored for LGBTQ+ Veterans aims to strengthen belonging and reduce burdensomeness to help prevent suicide.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2025 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX005350-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11551480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
LGBTQ+ Veterans at elevated risk for suicide, who are connected with VA services and willing to participate in a group program.
✕Less likely to help
Veterans who are not LGBTQ+, not at risk for suicide, or unable to participate in group sessions may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant develops and tests a 10‑week group intervention designed specifically for LGBTQ+ Veterans to improve social connectedness and functioning. It uses cognitive behavioral ideas adapted to LGBTQ+ affirming care and VA settings, with input from an LGBTQ+ Veteran Advisory Board. The project includes an initial refinement phase with mentors and Veterans, followed by a small pilot trial to assess acceptability and feasibility before broader testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could become a readily available VA-based approach to reduce suicide risk among LGBTQ+ Veterans by enhancing social ties.
How similar studies have gone: This is an early-stage, tailored intervention with pilot testing to establish feasibility in a high-risk population.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Cindy — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Chang, Cindy
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.