Introduction to Veteran Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department spent September connecting veterans to nature at state parks across Texas to highlight suicide prevention awareness month. This initiative is crucial in reducing the alarming rate of veteran suicides. The department’s third annual hike brought together veterans to 25 parks across Texas, aiming to reduce veteran suicide by creating a supportive community-driven approach that combines outdoor activities and a network for mental health resources.

Veteran Hikes Across Texas

In North Texas, several state parks near Dallas–Fort Worth hosted hikes, or “rucks,” giving local veterans and community members a chance to take part without traveling far. Nearby sites included Cedar Hill State Park, Purtis Creek State Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Lake Tawakoni State Park, and Cooper Lake State Park. The initiative came to fruition in 2023 after Air Force veteran and TPWD military and internship coordinator Nicole Mechler wanted to help veterans in Texas. “It’s something that I hold near and dear to my heart, a topic that I feel like sometimes we don’t talk enough about,” Mechler said.

Importance of the Initiative

The initiative continues to grow as more people hear about it, Mechler said. It started with only 11 parks in 2023, but as veteran participation continued to grow, so did the initiative at state parks across Texas, she said. “The goal for this is to get as many parks involved as possible, because we want to be able to reach as many people as possible,” Mechler said. Several organizations have supported the initiative, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Texas Veterans Commission, Blue Star Families, Military OneSource, and Uvalde Memorial Hospital.

Statistics on Veteran Suicides

About 6,400 veterans died by suicide in 2022, according to the 2024 National Suicide Prevention Annual Report. This statistic highlights the need for initiatives like the veteran hikes to provide support and resources to those who have served. Mechler said nature can be beneficial to veterans and the community’s mental health. “Even if you yourself don’t struggle, you could bring those resources to a family member or to a friend who may be struggling,” Mechler said.

Benefits of the Hikes

The hikes provide a sense of community and belonging to veterans who feel isolated after leaving the service. “When they come out of the military, they lack that feeling of camaraderie,” Mechler said. “When you get out, you kind of feel alone.” The hikes offer a chance for veterans to connect with others who have shared similar experiences, helping to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Mental Health Resources

For those struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, there are resources available:

• The Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line: Grant Halliburton Foundation initiative connects North Texans with mental health resources customized to each caller. 972-525-8181 or HereForTexas.com.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24-hour crisis hotline at 800-273-8255. Confidential online chat is available at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
• Crisis Text Line: To get 24-hour support, text “HOME” to 741741. More information at crisistextline.org.
• North Texas Behavioral Health Authority: 24-hour crisis hotline. 866-260-8000 or ntbha.org.
• Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas: Speak to a trained counselor on the 24-hour hotline at 214-828-1000, 800-273-8255 or sccenter.org.

Conclusion

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s initiative to connect veterans with nature is a vital step in reducing veteran suicides. By providing a supportive community and access to mental health resources, the department is helping to combat the alarming rate of veteran suicides. It is essential for everyone to be aware of the resources available and to support those who have served.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the veteran hikes?
A: The purpose of the veteran hikes is to connect veterans with nature and provide a supportive community to help reduce the rate of veteran suicides.
Q: How many parks participated in the initiative?
A: 25 parks across Texas participated in the initiative.
Q: What organizations support the initiative?
A: Several organizations support the initiative, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Texas Veterans Commission, Blue Star Families, Military OneSource, and Uvalde Memorial Hospital.
Q: What resources are available for those struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts?
A: Resources include the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, North Texas Behavioral Health Authority, and Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.
Q: How can I get involved in the initiative?
A: You can get involved by participating in the hikes, volunteering with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, or spreading awareness about the initiative and the resources available.