Community invited to participate in WNC Veterans Suicide Awareness March May 5

04/19/2018 03:53 AM

Army veteran Sarah Goulet and her service dog, Chaos, participate in the 2016 Western Nevada College Suicide Awareness March in Carson City. The event raises awareness about the 22 veteran suicides that occur each day in the U.S. and the local services available to help veterans. The 2018 march is set for Saturday, May 5.

Courtesy Steve Yingling, Western Nevada College

The Western Nevada College Veterans Resource Center invites the community to partake in the fourth annual Veterans Suicide Awareness March at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5 in Carson City.

Participants will walk from the corner of U.S. Highway 395 (Bully’s parking lot) and West College Parkway to the WNC campus at 2201 West College Parkway, and back, approximately 2.3 miles round trip.

The event brings attention to the ongoing reality of veteran suicide, which occurs approximately 22 times a day across the United States and more than 8,000 times a year. Along the way, walkers will view signage that shares caring thoughts of veterans and also acknowledges the suffering and needs many veterans bring home from battle.

After arriving on campus, participants will place small American flags on the college’s front lawn to show solidarity with those who serve. Along with promoting suicide awareness, event organizers want to help people learn the signs of someone considering suicide and the resources available to help them.

Participation is free and donations will be accepted. In preparation for the event, organizers need help May 2 planting tiny American flags in the lawn in front of the Bristlecone Building. Some WNC instructors are offering students extra credit to participate. Flag planting will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food and drinks will be provided.

For more information, contact Rick or Kyle at 775-445-3301 or email [email protected].