TITLE
Title
PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 AS VETERANS SUICIDE AWARENESS AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Commissioner Kay Cashion
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BACKGROUND
Background
WHEREAS, the men and women of our military and the veterans of North Carolina represent the highest tradition of selfless service to our county, state and nation, and their sacrifices deserve our eternal gratitude and our active support; and
WHEREAS, suicide prevention remains a major public health priority for the veteran community. While the daily average reported by the VA has changed as data collection has improved, the number of veteran suicides remains a significant concern. September 22 provides an opportunity to remember those who were lost, support those who are struggling, and strengthen efforts to prevent future tragedies; and
WHEREAS, military personnel and veterans continue to face a disproportionate and heartbreaking risk of death by suicide, with veterans nearly twice as likely to die by suicide compared to their civilian counterparts, and over 20 veterans and military members dying by suicide each day across the United States; and
WHEREAS, since 2001, the United States has lost over 100,000 veterans to suicide - a number that exceeds the casualties of many of the conflicts in which these brave men and women served - and post-9/11 veterans continue to be at the greatest risk among the veteran population; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina is one of the most military-connected states in the nation, home to Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and many other installations, with hundreds of thousands of veterans, active-duty service members, and military families who call our state home and who are woven into the fabric of every community from the mountains to the coast; and
WHEREAS, suicide prevention services are vastly underutilized by our military and veterans due to the deeply entrenched stigma surrounding mental health, suicide, and seeking treatment within th...
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