VICTORVILLE-(VVNG.com): The Victorville station deputies and administration got together to raise awareness veteran suicide on Tuesday.
Although it was day #9 of their 22-day challenge, the support and participation was publicized by sharing a video on their social media pages.
A study, conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Suicide Prevention Program indicates that an average of 22 veterans takes their life daily.
The accuracy of the statistical data collected by the Department of Veterans Affairs has been questioned but participants expressed that if anyone who served in the U.S. military feels helpless enough to even consider suicide that is an issue that should be addressed.
Participants nationwide are posting video daily to social media sites including Facebook and Twitter using hashtag #22kill. Each day, the participant “calls out” (or challenges) a friend to join in and participate in the 22-day challenge.
The data collected shows that the soldiers that are not deployed are at additional risk of suicide.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has skilled, trained counselors that are available anytime day or night. They are ready and willing to accept calls for advice, depression, loneliness, mental or physical illness, substance abuse, family problems or any other reason a person may need to talk. They can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
