Cohen Veterans Network Launches "Ask Anyway" Campaign to Encourage Lifesaving Conversations About Suicide
The nonprofit mental health provider has rolled out a new public awareness effort urging people to talk openly with Veterans and others who may be at risk for suicide.
The Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a nonprofit that provides mental health care to Veterans and their families, has launched a new suicide prevention awareness campaign called "Ask Anyway: Conversations to Save a Life." The initiative is designed to encourage friends, family members, colleagues, and community members to initiate direct conversations with people who may be struggling, even when the topic feels difficult or uncomfortable.
A Push to Break the Silence
Campaign organizers say the central message is straightforward: when someone is worried about a Veteran's or another person's mental state, the instinct to ask directly about suicidal thoughts should outweigh the fear of saying the wrong thing. The campaign frames asking as a critical, potentially lifesaving step rather than a risky one.
CVN operates a nationwide network of mental health clinics that offer confidential, low- or no-cost care to Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The organization has previously highlighted how stigma and hesitation can delay help for those experiencing crisis.
What the Campaign Promotes
The effort emphasizes practical, everyday actions that ordinary people can take when they sense something is wrong. Key elements include:
- Treating direct questions about suicide as a normal part of caring for someone, rather than taboo.
- Listening without judgment and connecting the person to professional mental health resources.
- Using available crisis lines and VA support services when immediate help is needed.
By normalizing the conversation, CVN hopes more people will intervene early. Anyone who is struggling or concerned about a loved one can also reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255.
Why It Matters Now
Veteran suicide rates have remained a persistent public health concern, and advocates say community-level awareness is essential alongside clinical care. The "Ask Anyway" campaign adds another layer of outreach to ongoing efforts to reduce stigma and expand access to mental health support for Veterans and their families.