Statewide Iowa — Reports show nearly one in eight Iowans who take their own lives are veterans and a new national campaign is being launched to encourage veterans to seek help, and for everyone else to lend a hand.
Dave Berkenfield, a former Navy SEAL, who lost his brother to suicide, says every day nationwide between 17 and 22 veterans kill themselves, depending on which study is being quoted.
The American Legion is launching a campaign in Iowa and nationwide that will be seen on billboards and in TV and radio PSAs called “Be The One.”
He says mental health is one of the toughest challenges facing veterans, as they’re trained to accept every challenge, to lead and be strong, but there’s a stigma surrounding a veteran who seeks help for the silent wounds of war. Berkenfield says that’s why this “Be The One” campaign is so important.
Of the 475 reported suicides in Iowa in 2018, a report from the US Department of Veterans Affairs says 60 of them were veterans. Berkenfield says being “the one” means being present and available to ask the hard questions and to have those difficult conversations.
Veterans who use the new national Crisis Lifeline should dial 988 and then press “1” to be connected to veteran-specific counselor.
For more information on the “Be The One” campaign visit betheone.org.
