RSVP benefit in Carson City to boost veteran services, suicide prevention
About 20 military veterans commit suicide every day in the United States, a number that has been holding steady in recent years.
In Nevada, a veteran dies from suicide about every three days. The Silver State, in fact, has long had one of the highest rates of suicide nationally among the general population and veterans, a distinction that prevention advocates say they hope to change.
“We are still one of the higher rates in the nation," said Misty Vaughan Allen, Suicide Prevention Coordinator with the Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention, in a previous interview. "But we are moving in the direction of improvement. Nevada has decreased its veteran suicide rates since 1999.”
Those trying to reduce the number of suicide deaths in Nevada have regarded suicide as a public health crisis for the Silver State.
"We lose more than 500 Nevadans and 100 veterans to suicide per year," said Dr. Luana Ritch, Ph.D., a Community Health Planner with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, in a previous interview.
In response to the alarming numbers and efforts from prevention advocates, the Nevada Rural Counties Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) based in Carson City held its first "Reaching For Zero: Veteran Appreciation and Veteran Suicide Awareness Brunch" last year at the Nevada Governor's Mansion.
The positive reception of the event and its cause spawned an encore.
RSVP will hold its second annual "Reaching For Zero: A Veteran Appreciation and Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Brunch" on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the Nevada Governor's Mansion, 606 N. Mountain Street in Carson City.
"Please join us to help raise awareness of veteran issues and provide veterans with suicide prevention resources, emergency transportation, wellness checks, and a wide-ranging support system," RSVP said.
All proceeds from the brunch go toward veteran services, including suicide awareness programs.
"It's important for veterans to know the resources available to them," Vaughan Allen said.
This year's "Reaching For Zero" benefit features a Paella brunch, notable speakers, Color Guard by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 989 of Reno, live music by Mile High Jazz Band, an exciting silent auction and raffle with a chance to win two round-trip Southwest Airlines destination flight tickets.
"Reaching For Zero" starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. inside the Nevada Room at the Governor's Mansion.
Ticket are $50 per person, $90 per couple, or $400 per table of eight.
Purchase tickets online or by mail. Make checks payable to RSVP: 2621 Northgate Lane, Suite 6, Carson City, NV 89706. Attn: Susan Haas.
Contact Sandy Severance with questions at 775-687-4680, ext. 6, or email: sseverance@nvrsvp.com.
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