Suicide Prevention 2.0 Program - Community Opinion Survey

Legal authority for this data collection is found under 38 USC, Part I, Chapter 5, Section 527 that authorizes the collection of data that will allow measurement and evaluation of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Programs, the goal of which is improved health care for Veterans. In addition, this data collection is necessary in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the large public investment in suicide prevention for Veterans. VA is collecting this information in order to accomplish three aims: 1) collect baseline data on the knowledge and attitudes of adult US citizens living in specified communities about Veterans, Veteran suicide, and resources available to Veterans to reduce suicide, prior to the implementation of suicide prevention programs; 2) collect follow-up data in the same communities to assess whether those knowledge and attitudes have changed over time; and 3) determine whether the programs and policies implemented by a community resulted in positive change in knowledge and attitudes. Under the previous PRA clearance, VA collected survey information from respondents among 22 states to derive “Time 1” data. Under the next PRA clearance, VA will complete the survey administration for comparative “Time 2” data in those 22 states. In addition, VA will expand the administration of the COS to collect “Time 1” and “Time 2” data from respondents in the remaining 33 GC states and territories. The data will be utilized by the Office of Suicide Prevention in VA Central Office to measure the return on investment of significant resources that have been invested to support communities in their efforts to reduce Veteran suicide.

The latest form for Suicide Prevention 2.0 Program - Community Opinion Survey expires 2029-01-31 and is listed under ICR 202505-2900-005.