The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs has partnered with colleges and universities around the state to establish a new veterans suicide prevention awareness
Participating colleges and universities will display 152 American flags on their respective campuses during September, which serves as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, in Operation We Remember.
The flags honor and remember the 152 Alabama veterans who lost their lives to suicide in 2020.
“Suicide prevention is never an easy subject or an enjoyable conversation, but we hope this visual display will show the reality of how many veterans have those invisible wounds and help create impactful long-term change,” said ADVA Commissioner Kent Davis in a release
Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kimberly Boswell said that supporting veterans with mental health resources that are accessible and compassionate is crucial.
Nearly 18 percent of individuals who die by suicide in Alabama are veterans,” she said.
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Student veterans associations participating in Operation We Remember includes the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Troy University, Jacksonville State University, University of North Alabama, University of Montevallo, and Shelton State Community College.
Veterans in crisis can dial 988 and press 1 to get help. Learn more about veteran suicide prevention by clicking here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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