Suicide is a major, yet preventable problem in the United States. Sadly, Veterans comprise nearly a quarter of suicide deaths in the U.S. According to the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, its estimated that between 17 and 22 veterans or service members take their lives daily. On average each death affects 135 individuals - family members, coworkers, friends, etc. If you do some quick math, this means nearly 3,000 lives are affected by veteran suicide daily.

Although veteran suicide occurs for a number of reasons, there are several causes our community should be aware of in order to help prevent these rates from rising even higher. Veterans are most vulnerable in the first three months following military service, although suicide rates among veterans remains elevated for years after reintegration into civilian life. Veterans have reported difficulty in several areas during their transition into civilian life, including troubles with productivity at work, inability to perform chores or take care of health needs, and complications while interacting with spouses, family members, and friends. Veterans frequently face unique challenges, including exposure to combat, physical injuries or disabilities incurred during service, and the stress of transitioning from military to civilian life that contribute to higher incidences of depression compared to the general population.

There are multiple existing organizations that prioritize helping Veterans in our community facing difficulties like these. The American Legions Be The One program trains civilians to help veterans who may be at risk of suicide. The program aims to reduce the stigma around mental health treatment and encourage people to take action. The Be The One program provides various resources to do so, like peer-to-peer support and resources in local communities. The program aims to teach individuals how to identify signs of risks and what to do if they see a veteran who may be at risk.

In order to raise awareness of these issues that affect Americas veterans, I am partnering with the American Legions Be The One initiative. This organization fights to raise awareness of the problems veterans face and train civilians to help them cope with the traumatic events of their past. They offer a wealth of resources for veterans facing these struggles.

The Be The One 5K will take place on March 29th beginning at 10:00 am at Harnett Central High School (2911 Harnett Central Rd, Angier, NC 27501). The 5K festivities will begin with the posting of the colors and the National Anthem around 10:00 AM. We will have guest speakers briefly discussing issues that are important to veterans, including representatives from the Be The One initiative, WellCare services, and veterans. We will then have a "Lap of Honor" led by the American Legion post 436 to recognize all veterans present. Then, the 5K will begin. Entry for the 5K will be $20.00 for nonveterans and free for veterans. The registration will include a bib, t-shirt, bag, goodies, and a post-race snack. Veterans must sign up through the website in order to get a t-shirt. The race will be timed using a digital race clock only.

PACK AND PICK UP FOR RACE DAY BIBS AND T-SHIRTS WILL BE ON FRIDAY, MARCH 28TH FROM 3:00-7:00 IN THE HARNETT CENTRAL STUDENT PARKING LOT. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, PLEASE TRY TO PICK YOUR ITEMS UP AT THIS TIME. THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE THAT WE START ON TIME. REGISTRATION WILL ALSO BE OPEN FROM 8:30-9:30 ON THE DAY OF THE RACE FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO PICK UP ON FRIDAY.