Simtek and Stop Soldier Suicide announced a partnership launching VET-SAFE, an initiative to prevent veteran suicides by voluntarily connecting them with gun storage technology designed to quickly alert a veteran’s support network when a firearm is accessed, allowing them check in and to intervene in a potential crisis.
In the United States, four times as many veterans die by suicide compared to those who die in combat – and 74% of veteran suicides involve a firearm. And when veterans are contemplating taking their own life, 36% take less than 5-minutes to act.
Research shows that timely personal connection and access to crisis intervention resources can dramatically reduce suicide risk during critical moments. The VET-SAFE Initiative aims to provide veterans and their support networks with a critical tool to prevent suicides through the power of advanced gun storage technology. At the heart of this initiative is the StealthALERT alarm, that can save lives in the most vulnerable moments.
The StealthALERT system is a wireless alarm that detects disturbances such as light, motion, or vibrations.
Placed inside a gun safe or another location where firearms are stored, the alarm immediately triggers text messages and push notifications within 15 seconds of detecting a disturbance. These alerts are sent to the veteran’s designated support network, offering a vital opportunity for the network to check in and intervene if the veteran is in crisis.
“With StealthALERT, we are giving veterans and their support systems the ability to take immediate action and potentially save a life in the event of a crisis, while also helping them safely store their firearms." said Brady Simpson, Founder of Simtek.
With the VET-SAFE Initiative, veterans can have the peace of mind that if they are ever in need, their trusted support network will be alerted instantly, allowing them to respond and provide assistance.
“Every minute counts when a veteran is contemplating suicide,” Nick Black, Co-Founder of Stop Solider Suicide. “Together with Simtek, we are focused on one mission: to prevent veteran suicide and ensure that those who have served our country receive the support they need when it matters most.”
Veterans and support networks can learn more about the VET-SAFE Initiative and the StealthALERT system by visiting www.simtek.io/vetsafe.