Training family and friends to help prevent Veteran suicides
Official title: Randomized Controlled Effectiveness Trial of VA S.A.V.E. Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training for Veterans’ Close Supports
Funded at Portland VA Medical Center · NIH-10861440 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping family and friends of Veterans learn how to spot signs that someone might be at risk for suicide and how to support them in getting the help they need, using a special training program called VA S.A.V.E.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Portland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1I01HX003816-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861440 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Veterans who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and their close supports who are willing to participate in the training.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Veterans or do not have close supports willing to engage in the training may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on training close supports of Veterans, such as family members and friends, to recognize signs of suicide risk and effectively assist Veterans in seeking professional help. The VA S.A.V.E. program teaches essential skills through a structured training approach, aiming to empower those closest to Veterans to act as gatekeepers in suicide prevention. By utilizing innovative methods like social media outreach and standardized patient simulations, the study evaluates the effectiveness of this training in real-world scenarios.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the ability of family and friends to support Veterans at risk of suicide, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results for similar training approaches, indicating potential for success in this larger trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Portland VA Medical Center
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Teo, Alan — Portland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Teo, Alan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mobile safety planning for at-risk young adults
A digital, text-based safety planning program for young adults (ages 18–24) to help prevent suicide and stay connected to support.
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INCLUSAVE: helping young adults with IDD access suicide-prevention trainings
A new NIH grant studies whether two proven gatekeeper trainings (ASIST and safeTALK) can be delivered in inclusive settings to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities.
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Technology-assisted suicide prevention for youth in Colombian school settings
A youth-focused program will test a culturally tailored digital platform and teacher training to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in schools.
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Qnnections: A Social Connection‑Focused Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ+ Veterans
A new group-based program tailored for LGBTQ+ Veterans aims to strengthen belonging and reduce burdensomeness to help prevent suicide.
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Nurse- and Peer-Led Suicide Prevention for Women in Tajikistan
A nurse- and peer-led program in Tajikistan aims to help women at risk of suicide by adding tailored, frontline support in primary care.
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Targeted online suicide prevention for Veterans
A web-based, one-session intervention for Veterans to reduce thoughts of suicide and self-harm by helping them manage distress and rigid thinking.
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.