This Event has Passed
Veteran Suicide Prevention Symposium
Suicide prevention experts will offer information and support at the Risk Awareness - Prevention Symposium on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 9:30 AM at Narragansett Regional High School (464 Baldwinville Rd., Baldwinville, MA). The event is sponsored by American Legion Post 373, Baldwinville, MA and is open to the public. A pancake breakfast will be offered before the event from 7:30 to 9:00 AM at the American Legion Hall ( 3 Central St., Baldwinville, MA). Admission to the breakfast and event are free of charge.
Suicide prevention professionals will offer information and resources for members of the military community, police, firefighters, EMT's, first responders, and front line emergency workers who are particularly at risk because of the high levels of stress they face. Family members and others who support public safety workers will also find the presentations useful. The following organizations will offer presentations at the event:
Home Base - Red Sox Foundation / Mass. General Hospital
Veterans Administration of Central-Western Mass. Suicide Prevention Team
SAVE Team, Mass. Department of Veterans Services
Massachusetts National Guard
Heywood Hospital Suicide Prevention Task Force
Montachusett Veterans Outreach
Veterans Center, Sprinfield, MA
According to the Veterans Administration, more than 17 veterans take their lives each day, which is significantly higher than the rate for the general population. The number of suicide deaths in the U.S. is increasing. Event organizer, Jim Brehio describes the reason for the event, "Our goal is to save a life. To achieve this, we have brought together several groups that address the suicide crisis and offer free services to our country's veterans each and every day." Retired Brigadier General Paul "Greg" Smith, former Land Component Commander of the Mass. Army National Guard will serve as moderator of the symposium.
Category: Community | Veterans
