Veteran suicide prevention remains one of the most urgent challenges facing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A new initiative at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, called Empowering the Spirit, is taking a unique and deeply personal approach to address this issue. By integrating spiritual care into mental health support, the program offers Veterans a path to healing that acknowledges both emotional wounds and the power of faith. This innovative model combines chaplaincy and nursing care into what organizers call a "spiritual care bundle," and early participants are already seeing meaningful transformation. The link between spirituality and healing is clear throughout the program’s design and outcomes, making it a promising new direction in Veteran suicide prevention.

Launched as a 12-week pilot in March, Empowering the Spirit invites Veterans to explore their spirituality as a tool for hope, connection, and personal growth. The program is led by Dr. Emmanuel Thompson, a board-certified clinical chaplain, and VA Nurse Jedidiah Duran. Together, they guide Veterans through weekly sessions that focus on rediscovering inner strength and purpose. The hybrid format—offering both in-person and virtual participation—ensures accessibility for a wide range of Veterans across southeast Texas.

One of the first to complete the program, Army Veteran Jason Ayala, initially approached it with skepticism. Having spent years in therapy for PTSD, he doubted that a chaplain and a nurse could offer anything new. But during a difficult holiday season, VA staff encouraged him to give it a try. What he found was more than support—it was a renewed sense of hope, forgiveness, and spiritual reconnection. Ayala, a father of seven, had felt lost and isolated from his faith. Through the program, he not only returned to church but also began rebuilding relationships with his children. “They met each one of us where we were and helped inspire us to surrender to God for healing,” he shared. “It’s all about empowerment—embracing the spirit within us.”

Dr. Thompson, who grew up in Sierra Leone during a revolutionary war before immigrating to the United States in 2000, brings personal insight to his work. His own journey of healing from trauma informs his compassionate approach to guiding Veterans through crises. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the transformations happening in Veterans right before our eyes,” he said. “We’re helping them find clarity and reclaim their hope for the future.”

Nurse Jedidiah Duran also brings a deeply personal perspective. A former Navy hospital corpsman, Duran faced his own struggles with PTSD, including a moment of crisis when he considered ending his life. That pivotal experience, and the faith he rediscovered in its aftermath, led him to seek help through the VA and ultimately inspired his commitment to helping others. Now working at the VA Clinic in Conroe, Texas, Duran shares his story with Veterans in the program, creating a powerful sense of connection and trust. “It took a lot of guts for Mr. Duran to share his story with us,” Ayala noted. “He not only understood where I was coming from; he had been there himself.”

Another graduate, Navy Veteran Brett Blackburn, joined the program after a suicide attempt. Encouraged by a VA chaplain, Blackburn found the group to be a safe space where he could share openly with others who understood his experience. Today, he is studying in seminary school at Houston Christian University and feels hopeful about his future. “It has truly changed my life,” he said. “Everyone in the group came from the same place. It was a safe space to share with other Veterans and not feel alone.”

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of VA employees volunteered their time to develop the evidence-based curriculum used in Empowering the Spirit. They worked with clinical experts and reviewed scientific literature to ensure the program’s foundation was both compassionate and effective. According to Dr. Thompson, the goal is to expand the program to reach more Veterans in southeast Texas and beyond. “Our job at VA is to do all we can to help Veterans find their path forward,” he emphasized.

What sets this initiative apart is its focus on spiritual wellness as a core component of mental health care. By acknowledging the importance of faith and inner strength, Empowering the Spirit offers a holistic approach that resonates with many Veterans who may not have found healing through traditional therapy alone. The program does not promise to "fix" its participants, but rather to walk alongside them as they navigate their own paths to recovery.

I found this detail striking: the program’s success lies not just in its structure, but in the authenticity of those leading it. Both Thompson and Duran have lived experiences that mirror those of the Veterans they serve, creating a bond that fosters trust and openness. In a field where connection can be a powerful catalyst for change, that authenticity may be one of the most valuable tools the program offers.

As the VA continues to explore innovative ways to address Veteran suicide, programs like Empowering the Spirit demonstrate the potential of integrating spiritual care into comprehensive mental health services. With its early successes and plans for expansion, this initiative may serve as a model for future efforts across the country.

Read more at news.va.gov