City of Destin addresses alarming veteran suicide rates with proactive community training initiative
Destin, Florida – The City of Destin started a campaign stressing community involvement and support for its veterans in an attempt to lower the increasing suicide rates among veterans. Residents are being encouraged to register as “Watch Standers,” people educated to identify and react to veterans’ crisis indicators.
With a suicide rate for veterans of 48.34 per 100,000, much higher than the 27.47 per 100,000 recorded in non-veterans, statistics from the past three years reflect an alarming trend in Okaloosa County. Particularly vulnerable are veterans aged 18 to 34, who are at the highest risk.
Working with The Fire Watch, a group committed to stopping veteran suicide, the City of Destin is holding a unique training session. Planned for October 17 at 6 p.m., this free program will take place at the Destin Library. The course is meant to teach attendees how to identify veteran crisis warning signals and equip them with the tools they need to receive aid.
Being a Watch Stander calls not just for showing up for the training but also a dedication to be alert and proactive in the neighborhood. The job is vital; it’s about more than simply spotting symptoms of anxiety; it’s about acting and linking veterans to programs that might save their life.
Those interested to participate this important program can register online on this link. Being a Watch Stander allows members of the community to truly make a difference by providing a lifeline to individuals who have served their country and now require help.
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This program shows a more general City of Destin’s commitment to assist its military population and handle veterans’ mental health issues. The need of local community activities like these cannot be emphasized given veteran suicides at a rate 1.5 times higher than among non-military U.S. citizens. Residents are encouraged to help spread the news, take part in events, and add to a system of support that might save lives.
