Annville, PA - Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) held its annual candle lighting ceremony in advance of Saturday’s World Suicide Prevention Day. The DMVA also encouraged everyone to light candles at 8 p.m. on Saturday to observe the special day of suicide awareness.
Veterans who are in crisis are urged to call the toll-free Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and then Press 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat online. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available to everyone. All calls are confidential.
Military veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than Americans who never served in the military. For female veterans, the risk factor is 2.2 times more likely. When looking at these statistics and factoring in that Pennsylvania serves and advocates for nearly 800,000 veterans – the fourth largest veteran population in the nation – it is easy to see why the DMVA is so actively involved in suicide prevention initiatives.
The DMVA is Pennsylvania’s lead on the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and Their Families. Pennsylvania is one of 52 states and territories taking part in the Governor’s Challenge. Participants work to implement state-wide suicide prevention best practices and learn from stakeholders nationwide.
“Participating in Light a Candle on World Suicide Prevention Day is one more way Pennsylvanians can show support for veterans,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “The suicide statistics for veterans are staggering. Lighting a candle shows veterans that they are not alone. The flame of a candle might be small, but the act of lighting the candle is a big step forward in rallying around veterans in crisis.”
“Lighting a candle on September 10 may seem like a simple gesture, but it actually sends a huge message that every veteran’s life is important,” said Brig Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, deputy adjutant general of Veteran Affairs. “Seeing a lit candle can be uplifting and invigorating for a veteran in crisis, possibly saving their life.”
“Initiatives like Light a Candle are very important,” said Nick Taylor, chairman of the Pennsylvania State Veterans Commission. “The glow of the candle flame is a powerful symbol of caring. It tells veterans that they are not forgotten. It gives veterans in crisis a visual sign of support, patriotism and hope.”
To learn more about the DMVA, visit us online at www.dmva.pa.gov or follow us at www.facebook.com/padmva or www.twitter.com/padmva.
MEDIA CONTACT: Joseph Butera - jobutera@pa.gov