Veterans Suicide Prevention Community Conversation

Gun suicide claims the lives of more than 24,000 people in America every year. That is a tragic statistic that means one life is ended too soon by gun suicide every 21 minutes. Veterans account for 4,500 of those firearm suicides — about 12 deaths per day. We know that these deaths are not inevitable, though, and there are things we can do as family, friends, and communities to prevent them. Policies and practices that normalize help-seeking behaviors are important prevention measures. So, too, is focusing on disrupting access to firearms in times of crisis. Sharing stories and resources as a community will help save lives. The Napa County Suicide Prevention Council, Napa Valley Moms Demand Action, and the VA Northern California invite you to join us at a community conversation on Monday, November 13, 6:30pm-8:00pm at Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center to discuss veterans suicide prevention at a screening of MERITxZOE — a short impact film about veterans, suicide, and mental health, followed by a panel discussion with veterans/active reserve service members, mental health professionals serving the veteran population, and survivors of suicide attempt/loss. MERITxZOE SCREENING Monday, November 13, 2023 6:30pm - 8:00pm Doors open at 6:00pm Free and open to the public PANELISTS: Mike Ergo, LCSW, North Bay Vet Center (US Marine Corps veteran) Cassandra Meredith, LCSW, VA NorCal Suicide Prevention Community Engagement & Partnership Coordinator (Army National Guard Reservist) Celina Perez, Moderator (Community Advocate and Chaplain for VFW Post 1123) *additional panelist pending ABOUT THE FILM The script of MERITxZOE centers on two female veterans and best friends from the Army who are at odds but inexorably connected. We see how their words and actions have profound impacts on each other's lives. And how something as simple as talk therapy can make the difference between life and death. Writer/director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes is a US Army combat veteran who knows PTSD first-hand, has lost three battle buddies to suicide, and has been creating films about the veteran experience for a decade. This film, supported by three proud impact partners (Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, The Mission Continues, and the Bob Woodruff Foundation), seeks to promote purpose and community, normalize help-seeking, and raise awareness of gun safety measures that can help prevent veteran suicide. ***DISCLAIMER*** MERITxZOE is intended for mature audiences. There are scenes that could potentially activate past trauma for viewers, including for survivors of gun violence or those with suicidal ideation and/or PTSD. **Note** This is event is not sponsored nor endorsed by the Napa Valley Community College District

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