PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) – The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is encouraging everyone to light a candle on Friday, September 10th at 8:00 p.m. to bring awareness to Veteran Suicide.
September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, bringing awareness to the more than 47,000 people that commit suicide in the United States every year.
Military veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than Americans who never served in the military.
Pennsylvania has the fourth largest veteran population in the nation, servicing and advocating for nearly 800,000 veterans in the commonwealth, making the need to raise awareness of mental health needs for the men and women who fought for our nation, and continue to fight battles when they return home.
“It is very important that everyone continues the conversation about veteran suicide and prevention,” said Rick Hamp, special assistant to the deputy adjutant general for Veterans Affairs. “Lighting a candle on September 10 is one way to raise awareness and to keep that discussion going. It is also one small but powerful gesture to show veterans that they are not alone – they are thought about and appreciated every day.”
“Veterans are strong and have been trained to carry the load, but you do not have to do it by yourself anymore,” said Hamp. “There are people in every community available to support you. All you have to do is ‘Reach Out.’ We are stronger together.”
Veterans in crisis can call the toll-free Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8355 and press 1.
The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the calls are confidential.