DMH staff members and veterans gathered during a break at the annual Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Conference to recognize Gov. Reeves’ proclamation of Veterans’ Suicide Awareness Week. Pictured are (front row, L to R) Jessie Killingsworth, DMH Chief of Staff Katie Storr, DMH Executive Director Wendy Bailey, Laura Gottschalck, Katherine Johnson, DMH Medical Director Dr. Thomas Recore, Dr. Jesse Higdon, Nicole Sanders, Danny Blanton, (back row, L to R) Daniel Myers, Willis Garrison, DMH Deputy Executive Director for Behavioral Health Services Jake Hutchins, DMH Deputy Executive Director for IDD Services Craig Kittrell, Rickey Grimes, Courtney Littleton, Elaine Sendelweck, Ja’Quila Newsome, and Jeremy Reid.
Governor Tate Reeves has partnered with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) and declared November 10-16, 2024, as Mississippi Veterans’ Suicide Awareness Week, a time dedicated to recognizing and addressing the mental health challenges facing our veterans. This declaration emphasizes Mississippi’s commitment to supporting veterans and raising awareness of the resources available to prevent suicide among those who have served our country.
The week’s observance is especially significant as it encompasses Veterans Day on November 11, a day to honor all who have served. Suicide remains a leading cause of death among our nation’s veterans and service members, with U.S. veterans nearly 72% more likely to die by suicide than those who have not served. In Mississippi, veteran suicide rates 68% are higher than the rates for those who have not served.
“We owe it to our veterans to provide them with the support they need after all they’ve sacrificed for us,” said DMH Executive Director Wendy Bailey. “Mental health support is essential, and we must ensure that resources are readily available and accessible for veterans in our state. It’s crucial that veterans and their families know they are not alone, and that help is only a phone call or click away.”
DMH is highlighting key resources and programs to aid veterans in need:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Veterans, service members, and anyone in need of immediate mental health support can call or text 988 and press “1” to connect with counselors specially trained to help veterans.
- Mobile Crisis Response Teams: Available statewide, these teams offer timely, on-the-ground mental health support, including for veterans and their families. They are dispatched to individuals in crisis and work directly with them to de-escalate the situation and connect them with ongoing support.
- MentalHealthMS.com: This website provides comprehensive information on mental health services throughout the state, including those tailored specifically for veterans.
- Mississippi Department of Mental Health Mobile App: Available for download, this app allows veterans and other users to quickly locate mental health resources and contact crisis support.
The Department of Mental Health encourages all Mississippians to take part in supporting veterans, not only during Mississippi Veterans’ Suicide Awareness Week but throughout the year. By spreading awareness of these vital resources, we can help ensure that veterans in crisis receive the support they deserve.
For more information on resources for veterans, visit www.mentalhealthMS.com.
