Attempts to Stop the Suicide of 17 Veterans Every Day in the Nation

BY MIGUEL TIMOSHENKOV

LAREDO, TX – The death of 17 veterans who commit suicide every day in the nation is complex and distressing.

The goal of raising awareness and providing support to this segment of the population was announced at a conference.

The Border Region and various organizations invited the community to the 5K race and hope that athletes and citizens will participate at the Padre McNaboe Park facilities on September 27.

Randy Villanueva, head of veterans affairs at the Border Region, said that numerous institutions have joined forces to help veterans.

Jazmín Silva said they are seeking to join a project to compensate the number of suicides in the veterans sector with community support.

«We ask the community for their kindness so that every dollar we collect can be allocated to the veterans in our community,» Silva said. «We need a bigger movement to help veterans avoid depression.»

Villanueva said from the podium that an average of 5,000 or more veterans are living in the community.

«Our focus and relationship with veterans in the Border Region is to ask for help,» Villanueva said. «There is help, medication, care, counseling, and resources to prevent suicide.»

When going through a crisis, it’s okay to seek help, Villanueva recommended.

Mayor Victor Treviño, in a message, indicated that we must rally around those who have served the nation.

Deputy Mayor Vanessa Perez emphasized that any action in support of veterans will help overcome the crisis they face every day.

Laura Cortez, a Border Region official, said that help is provided to more than 3,000 people living with depression and some form of mental illness.

Dr. Julie Bazan, coordinator of the Suicide Prevention Program, said that, in her experience, help is always available.

Erick Castillo, master of ceremonies, called on the community to join the project by participating in the race and other activities that have been defined at this event in favor of veterans.