Veterans, families, and community members came together Thursday to raise awareness of veteran suicide. For the fourth year in a row, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce organized and led the Annual Walk for Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention in the Glens Falls City Park.
“(It’s) very important that we draw attention to this,” said Carol Ann Conover, the events director for the COC. “It’s become an epidemic throughout a lot of our veteran communities, so we’re here to support them, raise awareness, how to prevent and the resources that are set up here today are all on hand to assist veterans connect with opportunities for insurance, for other connections, for whatever they need.”
The event culminated in a 22-minute walk around Glens Falls, calling attention to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs estimation that 22 veterans lose their life every day to suicide.
Attending the event were local business leaders, public officials and community resources that have deep connections with the veteran community, such as Adirondack Peer-to-Peer and Southern Adirondack Independent Living.
Prior to and after the walk, veterans and their families were able to connect with these participating vendors either to utilize the resources they offered, or to join their programs.
Jeremy Duers, a retired Sergeant with the United States Marine Corps, was at the walk representing ADK Peer-to-Peer. Their goal is to connect veterans with services that improve their quality of life. As a veteran, he sees the walk as a way to educate those who don’t understand what service members go through during and after their time in the service.
“I think it’s outstanding to see the number of people come out and want to, you know, address this issue of suicide, because there’s, there’s so much help available, and folks just don’t… sometimes don’t know where to turn,” Duers said.
He added that many people don’t get the opportunity to talk to veterans directly, and seeing a large crowd such as the one at the park is sure to draw people in, and word of mouth will ensure that Peer-to-Peer’s message spreads.
“When it comes to suicide prevention, it’s really a lot about getting the word out and letting folks know that people care, that we’re here to help them,” Duers said.
The event was first conceptualized four years ago by the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce’s Veterans Business Network Committee. The committee was formed with the help of local veterans and business leaders in the community to be a resource for veterans in need.
“If you need a mentor, we can help you if you need connection to job opportunities, we can help you if you need housing, we can connect you,” Conover said.
While resources and programs such as the BNC and ADK Peer-to-Peer are available, veterans in need of emergency assistance can contact the VA through the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1.
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