Law enforcement confirmed the death was a suicide. The man was not scheduled to see a primary care physician or mental health physician on Tuesday. Hospital officials could not confirm whether the individual had previously sought treatment at the facility due to an ongoing police investigation, according to 5News.
In the wake of the death, Terry Massey, acting associate director of the VA facility, and Chad Priestley, DO, associate chief of staff at the medical center, reaffirmed the VA’s commitment to suicide prevention, according to a report from The Exponent Telegram.
“It’s a sad day here at the Clarksburg VA,” said Mr. Massey, according to the report. “The VA takes these matters very seriously.”
Dr. Priestley said the medical center offers 24-hour access to psychiatric care for suicidal patients.
“Suicide is an epidemic that we have as a nation,” said Dr. Priestley, according to the Exponent Telegram. “Our goal is to bring attention to that so we can encourage people to seek treatment and know that treatment is available 24/7.”
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