Pennsylvanians Can Light a Candle on Tuesday, September 10 in Observance of World Suicide Prevention Day.
Annville, PA – September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is reminding Pennsylvanians of the resources available to those in crisis or needing additional support. Veterans remain at an elevated risk of suicide – and one veteran suicide is one too many. During this month and beyond, DMVA is encouraging everyone to reach out to the veterans in their lives and let them know that someone cares.
“Veterans, especially those in crisis, should never be alone,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Small gestures like a phone call, text, email, or quick visit can go a long way in reassuring veterans that they matter. Too many veterans die by suicide. We can all play a role in reducing that number by reaching out to a veteran in need.”
If you are a veteran in crisis — or you are concerned about one — free, confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and then pressing 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat online.
“Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are a veteran in crisis,” said Schindler. “You are not alone. Resources are available to help you through any challenge. We appreciate your service to this nation and care about your well-being.”
As one way to raise awareness for suicide prevention, the DMVA is encouraging everyone to light a candle at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10 in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day. The annual observance is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
“A small gesture like lighting a candle on World Suicide Prevention Day sends a big message to veterans in crisis,” said Schindler. “Together, we should all be committed to reaching out to veterans – not just on Sept. 10, but all year long. It is the least we can do for those who selflessly served and sacrificed on our behalf.”
Military veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than Americans who never served in the military. For female veterans, the risk factor is 2.2 times more likely.
The Veterans Administration (VA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) continue to partner to reduce suicide. The VA/SAMHSA Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among our Service Members, Veterans and their Families has been a great success in bringing awareness to this public health crisis.
All 54 states and territories are now taking part in the Governor’s Challenge. The Pennsylvania Governor’s Challenge team, led by the DMVA, works with sister agencies and departments, several educational institutions, and a broad group of not-for-profit and faith-based organizations to develop and implement statewide and regional suicide prevention best practices. The team actively focuses on reducing veteran suicide every day, all year long.
Another resource available to veterans facing challenging times is DMVA’s PA VETConnect, an outreach program that enables the DMVA to concentrate services from within communities where our veterans live. This initiative allows the DMVA to utilize community-based providers to fill gaps in services for homelessness, employment, mental health, addiction and more. Click here for more information: www.dmva.pa.gov/vetconnect.
To learn more about the DMVA, visit us online at www.dmva.pa.gov or follow us at www.facebook.com/padmva or www.twitter.com/padmva.
