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Suicide prevention in the military and veteran community

by | Sep 10, 2024 | National News

Veterans are at a 72% higher risk of suicide than their civilian counterparts, according to Stop Soldier Suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day marks a day to remember all those who we have lost due to mental illness and to champion ways to prevent suicide. In the veteran community, many organizations and individuals have dedicated their lives and careers to suicide prevention, mental health advocacy, and community support. From providing resources to veterans struggling with mental illness and their family members, to hosting suicide prevention workshops across the country, these groups are working to end veteran suicide, and EANGUS is honored to join them in the fight. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal feelings, the Military/Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat live, or text 838255. A caring, qualified responder will listen and help.

The Overwatch Project is taking a unique approach to ending veteran suicide. 70% of veteran suicides are with firearms, according to their website, and The Overwatch Project has implemented a simple mantra to fight this statistic: “Just f*ing ask.” Empowering people to intervene in critical moments is proven to prevent suicides, and asking the right question can save a life. Learn more at overwatchproject.org.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is an organization that pairs highly trained service dogs with veterans in need. Guardian Angels has paired close to 450 dogs with veterans since it was founded in 2010, and these dogs have truly saved lives. The program has reduced veteran suicides, divorces, and even the amount of medications a recipient takes as a part of their disability treatment. Suicide prevention is a cause founder Carol Borden and Guardian Angels earnestly espouse. 

“It doesn’t matter what the number is, to lose one of our American heroes is unacceptable. And what is just truly humbling,” Borden said, “we have never had a suicide. So that’s pretty amazing.” Learn more at medicalservicedogs.org

“Brothers After War,” the sequel to award-winning film by Jake Rademacher “Brothers at War,” makes tough subjects easier to talk about. Rademacher embedded with combat units in his first film, and the sequel provides a follow up to those soldiers’ stories, including those of his family members. He said coming home can be the hardest part of being in the military, and the film serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships faced by service members, veterans, and especially their loved ones once they return home. Starting tough conversations about veteran mental health can be the first step in saving a life, so Rademacher facilitates workshops across the country about universal issues faced by service members and their families, including group discussions and guided journaling. Learn more at brothersafterwar.com. 

Brazen Sports has partnered with EANGUS to design custom watches to help end suicide in the military and veteran community. There are only 55 of these custom, one of a kind watches (Valued at $650 each). Brazen has donated all of these watches so that the proceeds go directly to providing a solution.

The goal is simple, each state has a watch, one winner per state and territory.  There are 200 chances per state, and you can buy a chance in any state you would like.  For each chance you purchase, you have a 1/200 chance to own this limited-edition timepiece, and you directly support saving a life.  Don’t wait, be a part, and save the life of those who have sacrificed for us all. Visit bebrazen.org.