MONROE, La. (KNOE) — The Northeast Human Services Authority has initiated the "Operation Leave No Veteran Behind" campaign, aimed at preventing veteran suicides.
“We aim to build a community where everyone feels welcome, and our purpose is truly to serve them while expressing our gratitude for their contributions,” stated Katie Terrell, who serves as the special assistant for NEDHSA.
This initiative provides veterans along with their family members access to support services aimed at addressing both their psychological and physical well-being requirements.
"We must increase the number of veterans utilizing clinic facilities. It’s crucial to make both veterans and their family members feel at ease when discussing these matters, as well as to foster greater comfort in assisting other veterans access these resources," stated Terrell.
The provided services encompass mental health support, tobacco cessation programs, addiction treatments, grief counseling, and assistance for gambling addictions.
The 2024 National Veterans Suicide Prevention Report indicates that a veteran passes away due to suicide approximately every 11 minutes across the United States.
Terrell emphasized that it's crucial to dismantle the stigma that stops veterans from seeking assistance.
"We aim for veterans to feel understood when they express their feelings, and our goal is to connect with as many veterans as possible," stated Terrell.
Terrell stressed that it's preferable to seek and obtain assistance before the situation becomes critical.
"We genuinely aim to convey that it's not too late for them to comprehend; should they have undergone traumatic experiences, these are issues we can address together at this juncture," stated Terrell.
To find out more about the campaign or for details on how to receive assistance, click here .