The topic of veteran suicides continues to be at the forefront of many people’s minds.
The statistic many people reference is that 22 veterans die by suicide each day, which is a number that is slightly outdated.
The Veteran Affairs Office reports that, in 2022, that number has declined to 17.6 veteran suicides per day, but as anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide will tell you, one is one too many.
Nancy Schnell-Rivera, the Commander of the Manitowoc County American Legion, is encouraging everyone to consider taking part in their “Be the One” campaign.
She explained on the WCUB Breakfast Club, “Be the One in it’s simplest form is simplest form is be the one to ask a veteran how they are doing, be the one to listen to that veteran, and be the one to reach out or react.”
The topic of suicide can be scary for some to bring up because you may not know what to say.
However, Nancy says you don’t really have to say anything.
“Just like everyone else, we don’t necessarily want suggestions on how to improve our lives, we just want someone to listen,” she noted.
You can learn more about the Be the One initiative and sign up for a class by visiting Legion.org.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance immediately, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988, or if it is an emergency, call 911.
