Suicide Prevention Month

By Blake Hyfield

From the VFW Magazine: With an average of 20 or more veterans who die by suicide each day, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie launched a month-long VA campaign to spread awareness about risk factors and warning signs for suicide and to start a conversation about mental health and support for veterans in their communities. As veteran suicide is an ongoing problem, VA has named suicide prevention as its number one clinical priority.

In recent years, VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention has implemented varying suicide prevention initiatives such as expanding the Veterans Crisis Line, the joint action plan with DOD and the Dept. of Homeland Security, and multiple partnerships with groups such as the VFW. The VFW urged all its members and Posts to participate in the third annual “A Day to Change Direction” on Sept. 15. VFW Posts around the world hosted a day of service and action to raise awareness, foster community engagement and eliminate the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Accepting this request, local VFW Post 1614, along with American Legion Post 288, joined and supported the Glendale Wellness Works sponsored 4th Annual Not On Our Watch. From Sept. 12 through Sept. 15, veterans and others “held the watch” at Verdugo Park in Glendale 24 hours a day non-stop. From the Wellness Works website, “As the veteran stands or walks past, he/she will be wearing a dog tag that represents a veteran who has died by suicide or is contemplating such action. At the end of the post that dog tag will be placed on the battlefield cross.”

Veterans who are in crisis or those who are concerned about a loved one can call (800) 273-8255 and press 1, text 838255, or visit the Veterans Crisis Line website

Thank you to our sponsors!

On Aug. 17, American Legion Post 288 and VFW Post 1614 held their 7th Annual Bingo Fundraiser with all proceeds applying to the various veteran programs supported by the Posts. Thank you to all those that participated and the following for their support:

Crescenta Valley Weekly J’s Maids & Maintenance Bonner’s Party & Equip.
Andy’s Transfer & Storage Foothill Trophy & Engraving J R Hardware, Sash & Door
CV Chamber of Commerce Crescenta-Canada LionsClub Dilbeck Estates
Home Instead Senior Care Bona Fide Plumbing Montrose Barber Shop
La Canada/La Crescenta Kiwanis El Charro’s Karen & Steve Pierce
Cheryl & Mark Davis Bruce’s Automotive SIG Property Management
La Crescenta Woman’s Club Menchie’s Eagle Rock Glendale Moose Lodge 641
Jay & Mary Hoehn Dunn Edwards Paint Wes & Jennifer Seastrom
Gay’s Automotive & Towing CV Town Council – Harry Leon Jana Ace Wunderlich
Laura Friedman – Assembly In Memory of Carolyn Baldwin Mike Baldwin Darrel Davis

  Blake HYFIELD