After a Suicide: A Guide for Veterinary Workplaces (Guide)

Created by experts in veterinary medicine, suicide prevention, and survivors of suicide loss, After a Suicide: A Guide for Veterinary Workplaces provides best practices for immediate response to a suicide, advice on helping the community grieve and cope over time, tips for engaging with media and community partners, and guidance on safely memorializing employees and supporting vulnerable community members to reduce the risk of suicide contagion.

Created by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in partnership with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA), and the Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE). This guide will help support veterinary workplaces in the aftermath of an employee’s death by suicide.

Download the Guide

“Supporting veterinary medical professionals in the aftermath of a colleague’s suicide is vital. Because suicide loss survivors can develop significant grief and even physical and mental health issues if not appropriately supported, postvention is a critical step and is actually part of suicide prevention. The appropriate handling of the aftermath of a suicide in a veterinary office can pave the way for a workplace culture that is smart about mental health.”

Christine Moutier, AFSP chief medical officer." (Source: the Press Release)

Feeling overwhelmed, suicidal, need someone to listen

or need to find out how you can help someone you care about?

Please see Crisis Services

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