St. Cloud VA Health Care System
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk to be held at St. Cloud VA
August 15, 2018
Supporting the Veteran or service member in your life who’s going through a tough time doesn’t have to be complicated. Everyone can play a role in preventing suicide. To create awareness of the tools and resources available to assist Veterans, family members, friends and community partners in saving lives, the St. Cloud VA is hosting the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk on Sept. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Bldg. 92 (Reid Bldg.), St. Cloud VA Medical Center, 4801 Veterans Drive, in St. Cloud.
The event is free, open to the public and registration is not required. Everyone interested in helping to prevent death by suicide is invited to participate.
“The walk is about showing support for people in crisis, reducing the stigma of Mental Health care, and by being there for individuals who may be in situations that could lead to suicidal considerations,” said Mary Jo Pine, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the St. Cloud VA. “In addition to healthy exercise, the walk includes suicide awareness training, lethal means safety measures and information on VA and community mental health resources.”
“Mostly, it’s about joining together to help people stay alive,” she added.
Community organizations supporting suicide prevention awareness are invited to support this effort. For information on how organizations can become involved contact Julie Wolf at 320-252-1670, Ext. 7511.
Veterans and their supporters are reminded that if warning signs are noticed by yourself or a Veteran loved one, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255 to get confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
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