As the daughter of a Navy veteran and the wife of a Coast Guard veteran, I urge you: save a veteran’s life. It doesn’t take much – we all can do it.
Kendra E. Davenport
President and CEO, Easterseals
“Every day, Easterseals engages local organizations and communities to connect veterans and military families with what they need for meaningful employment, education, and overall wellness.”
Suicide rates among veterans continue to increase and have been historically high among veterans of all ages. Our veterans are twice as likely to commit suicide, with loneliness and isolation cited as the biggest factors impacting veteran suicide.
Mental health among veterans is an alarming crisis, but often hard to spot. Many times, veterans might not even be able to explain that they need help. And that’s where you come in.
Call or text, meet for coffee, do anything that shows you care if you suspect a veteran may be in need, or even if you don’t. Connect them with help directly if they need it. Human connection helps prevent suicides and helps put veterans on the path to healing.
Warrior Call
That’s why earlier this month, Easterseals joined Warrior Call’s efforts to establish a “National Warrior Call Day” on Nov. 12, and added our support to other organizations and leaders asking members of Congress to pass a resolution designating the day. National Warrior Call Day asks Americans to contact a veteran or service member and help them get the mental health support they need.
Easterseals has been serving veterans and military families since World War II. Every day, Easterseals engages local organizations and communities to connect veterans and military families with what they need for meaningful employment, education, and overall wellness. Services like employment training, job services, and caregiver services.
A great example of these transformational partnerships is our collaboration with the Cohen Veterans Network, an organization that works to improve the quality of life for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Through this partnership, we will be able to provide high-quality, on-the-ground mental health care to veterans and military families in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. This will enable more of our warriors and their families to lead fulfilling and productive lives. We hope this effort serves as a model that can be replicated across the country to maximize impact.
Raising voices
We also strive to maximize impact by being a voice for veterans and military families. Easterseals advocates to make sure that the needs of veterans and military families are priorities in communities, in state capitols, and on Capitol Hill.
Add your voice to ours to make a difference for our warriors and their families.
To learn more and to get involved, follow Easterseals on social media, or visit us at easterseals.com/militaryresources