Monika Kelly speaks with two staff members from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs-- Keith Meyer, Director of Counseling and Wellness and Codie Garza, Suicide Prevention Manager about preventing veteran suicide. Every day across the nation, an average of 22 veterans decide to take their own lives daily across the nation and the VA in Washington has made counseling free, private and accessible to all servicemembers and veterans. Previously, military personnel and veterans feared consequences in their careers for seeking mental health help. Garza discussed the VA's "upstream model" designed to connect the veteran with community and various resources to help them return to a healthy mental place. Meyer shared a particular story of hope about a veteran who was contemplating suicide and is now living a productive, happy life helping other veterans.
Original airdate: 3/5/2023
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Monika joined EMF in 2012 and covers signals in several U.S. states including major markets like Phoenix and Seattle.