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.