5 Life-Saving Resources Every Tallahassee Veteran Should Know This Suicide Prevention Month

September marks Suicide Prevention Month—a crucial time for the Tallahassee veteran community to raise awareness, support one another, and share vital suicide prevention resources. Every veteran’s life is priceless, and together, we can ensure our brothers and sisters in arms know they are never alone. This month, American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 is committed to spreading hope, knowledge, and veteran awareness with urgency and compassion.

The Power of Awareness: Suicide Prevention Is Everyone’s Mission

Veterans face many battles, even after service ends. The reality is sobering: Florida’s veteran suicide rate is more than double the general population, making local action essential for saving lives. By shining a spotlight on suicide prevention and encouraging open conversations, we honor those lost and inspire hope for those struggling. The American Legion’s “Be the One” initiative is rooted in the belief that each person can make a difference—by reaching out, sharing resources, and being a lifeline for someone in need.

Trusted Local Resources for Veterans in Crisis

Veterans and families in Tallahassee have immediate access to suicide prevention and mental health support:

1. Veterans Crisis Line: If you are feeling suicidal or in emotional distress, call or text the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or reach out through chat by visiting www.988lifeline.org/chat/

2. Tallahassee VA Clinic: Get mental health care, behavioral health, and referrals. Contact the clinic for details by calling 850-513-7058 or go to https://www.va.gov/north-florida-health-care/locations/sergeant-ernest-i-boots-thomas-va-clinic/

3. Florida Veterans Support Line: The Florida Veterans Support Line can be reached by calling 1-844-MYFLVET (693-5838), a 24/7 confidential service that connects veterans and their families with emotional support and community resources.

4. Leon County Veteran Services: The mission of the Leon County Division of Veteran Services is to assist veterans and their dependents in securing all entitled benefits earned through honorable military service and to advocate for the interest of veterans in the community. Call 850-606-1940 or go to https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Services-Community-Partnerships/Veteran-Services

5. Tallahassee Vet Center: Offer confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Their services include counseling for needs such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST).

September Events: Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Awareness

Supporting mental health—all year, but especially this month—means showing up and connecting:

• Monthly Veteran Luncheon: September 9, 11:30 am–1 pm, National Guard Armory, 1225 Easterwood Drive. Spaghetti lunch, camaraderie, and support.

• Veterans Resource Fair: Jacksonville, September 11, 10 am–2 pm, Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena.

• Remembrance Ceremony: September 11, 8:30 am at Red Cross (9/11 Beam Memorial), Easterwood Drive.

• S.A.V.E. Training (VA): Thursday, September 18, 11 am–noon, Wakulla County Public Library. Suicide prevention education for all; flyer available at Post 13.

• POW/MIA Ceremony: September 19, 8 pm, Tallahassee National Cemetery Administration Building; arrive by 7 pm for seating.

• Tallahassee VA Clinic Suicide Prevention Month Event: September 23, 9 am–2 pm at VA Clinic, 2181 East Orange Avenue. Suicide prevention training (12–2 pm, 3rd floor conference room, includes lunch; pre-registration required).

• Out of the Darkness Walk: Sunday, November 2, 1 pm, Cascades Park. Raise suicide awareness and support local veterans. Register at afsp.org/tallahassee.

Volunteer and Training Opportunities—Be the One Who Makes a Difference

Take an active role in supporting suicide prevention. The Florida Governor’s Challenge (https://floridavets.org/governors-challenge/) and VA S.A.V.E. (https://news.va.gov/138931/suicide-prevention-va-s-a-v-e-training/) training programs empower community members with skills to recognize distress and get veterans the help they need. Opportunities for volunteering and peer support abound—reach out to Post 13 for details on new programs and ways to get involved in Suicide Prevention Month.

Call to Action

Suicide prevention and veteran awareness depend on community action. By using local resources, joining September events, and fostering open dialogue, Tallahassee’s veteran community can transform mental health support and ensure hope overcomes despair. It’s a shared mission—and every effort counts.

Attend an event, speak up, or share these resources with your veteran network. If you’re struggling, or know someone who is—help is always available. Join Sauls-Bridges Post 13 in making this Suicide Prevention Month a turning point for veteran safety and support. Together, let’s “Be the One” to save lives and strengthen our community.

PTSD Awareness Month: Breaking the Stigma and Building Strength Together

June is PTSD Awareness Month

Every June, we observe PTSD Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on post-traumatic stress disorder, honor those affected, and remind every veteran and family member that they are not alone. At American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13, we believe in fostering a supportive community where healing is possible, stigma is challenged, and hope thrives.

Understanding PTSD: More Than Just a Diagnosis

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, but it is especially prevalent among veterans. From the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of the Middle East, the invisible wounds of war follow many home. Yet, too often, stigma and misunderstanding keep veterans from seeking the help they deserve.

Personal stories, like those of Vietnam veterans Warren, Jim, and Jesse, remind us that PTSD can linger for decades, affecting not just individuals but families and communities. Warren endured flashbacks for years before finding relief; Jim hid his service until he found the courage to seek counseling nearly 40 years later; Jesse discovered camaraderie and healing through group therapy with fellow veterans. Their journeys show that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness—and that it’s never too late to start healing.

Treatment Options: Paths Toward Healing

PTSD is treatable, and a wide range of options are available for veterans and their families. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers therapy, counseling, medication management, and specialized programs for substance abuse and homelessness. Many counselors are veterans themselves, providing a unique understanding of military experiences. For those seeking help, more than 3,000 American Legion service officers are available to assist with claims and connect veterans to care.

In Florida, Home Base Florida provides world-class clinical care for PTSD, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, and depression—at no cost to veterans and their families. Their outpatient and intensive programs are designed to eliminate financial barriers and offer accelerated healing. The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) is another vital resource, ensuring easy access to counseling, therapy, and rehabilitation programs tailored to veterans’ needs.

Support Groups: The Power of Community

Healing happens best in community. Support groups, both in-person and online, offer safe spaces for veterans to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and build lasting bonds. The Tallahassee Vet Center provides counseling and support groups specifically for veterans, while organizations like NAMI Tallahassee offer programs for family members supporting loved ones with PTSD. Online directories such as Psychology Today and Grouport Therapy can help veterans find local and virtual PTSD support groups, making it easier than ever to connect with others who understand.

Breaking the Stigma: Sharing Stories, Inspiring Hope

The stigma surrounding PTSD can be as damaging as the condition itself. Too many veterans suffer in silence, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. By sharing personal stories and promoting open conversations, we can break down barriers and foster a culture of acceptance and support. At Sauls-Bridges Post 13, we encourage all veterans to speak up, reach out, and support one another—because every story matters, and every journey toward healing inspires hope.

You Are Not Alone!

If you or someone you love is living with PTSD, remember: help is available, and recovery is possible. Seeking support is a courageous step, and our community stands ready to walk alongside you. Whether through professional treatment, peer support, or simply sharing your story, you are helping to break the stigma and build a stronger, more compassionate veteran community.

Call to Action

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore the resources below:

• Connect with the American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 for local support and events.

• Visit the American Legion’s PTSD resource page for information on treatment and benefits.

• Reach out to Home Base Florida for no-cost clinical care.

• Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) for immediate support.

• Join a support group through the Tallahassee Vet Center or NAMI Tallahassee.

Together, we can break the stigma. Share your story, seek support, and remember: you are never alone on this journey.