September 22 is Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day in the State of New York.

Please join us to honor our veterans and remember those who have left us through suicide.

The Wellness Center will observe this day with two events:

• Stop by our informational table by the café in the Rowley Center from 11 am to 1 pm for valuable resources on mental health and veterans’ issues. Meet our staff and the Coordinator of Advising and Veteran Services, Bill Ackley.
• At 1 pm, Erin Rion, Director of the Wellness Center will offer a QPR training for those interested in learning techniques to help those who may be at risk of self-harm or suicide. Save your seat here. Walk-ins are welcome. Please bring a friend. Location: Rowley Center, room 111. QPR is is a suicide prevention gatekeeper training program that teaches individuals how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, question a person in crisis, persuade them to seek help, and refer them to appropriate resources. 

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has previously reported that an average of 22 veterans per day commit suicide. The rate of suicide among veterans was 1.4 times higher among male veterans and 1.8 times higher among female veterans when compared to the general adult population. In 2016 alone, 153 veterans in New York State committed suicide.

It’s important to understand that many of the wounds of war are unseen and persist long after the end of a veteran's military service. We must eliminate the silence and stigma surrounding mental health issues and suicide to help veterans who may be struggling. Our vets deserve better.

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255 for 24/7, confidential crisis support for veterans and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.

Questions? Please call the Wellness Center at (845) 341-4870 or email wellnesscenter@sunyorange.edu.