HARRISBURG – In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Month, on Wednesday (September 4th), Senator Doug Mastriano, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, held a Roundtable Discussion on the Prevention of Veterans Suicide at Heroes Ridge at Raven Rock (Adams County).
The event was hosted by Operation Second Chance, a non-profit organization that was set up by Ms. Cindy McGrew 20 years ago, and is dedicated to assisting wounded veterans by helping to fill in the gaps when either funding, a welcoming smile or just a friendly ear is needed. Operation Second Chance also operates Heroes Ridge at Raven Rock, a mountainside retreat for Veterans. McGrew highlighted the work that is done at Heroes Ridge, providing a respite for Veterans and their families – with amenities, such as fishing and horseback riding. The quiet, peaceful serenity that Heroes Ridge provides, is often the medicine needed for a veteran and their family that is in crisis. Since its founding in 2005, Operation Second Chance has helped over 15,000 individuals.
In 2023, Chairman Mastriano held a hearing in Chambersburg to promote the work that is being done across the Commonwealth to combat Veterans Suicide. Several of the participants at the hearing, including Mike and Sally Wargo, also participated in the Roundtable. The Wargos, who are associated with VALOR Clinic Foundation, spoke openly about their son, Michael, who died by suicide. During the discussion, they spoke about the impact of suicide on the families and the great need for services and support for the children left behind.
The PA Department of Military & Veterans Affairs highlighted the PA Vet Connect Program, which was recently codified into law through legislation sponsored by Senator Mastriano. Since its inception, PA Vet Connect has helped Veterans with over 20,000 connections to services in their community. The PA Department of Human Services gave an update on 9-8-8 – the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. With the touch of a few buttons, Veterans can press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line, which is available 24 hours a day. The Department stressed that the Suicide Prevention Hotline is open to anyone, even if someone is just having a bad day.
Both Mr. Mark Bayliss, a member of the PA State Veterans Commission, and Dr. Keith Aronson, Director of the Penn State Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, spoke about the data that is being looked at – and the need to be aware of those experiencing life stressors – like the end of relationships, long term health problems, substance abuse, and long-term financial problems.
The Roundtable Discussion included updates from the Interseeding Foundation and the Kay Zern Community & Veterans Outreach, two faith-based organizations working to address the underlying needs of Veterans. Having access to faith-based organizations, provides access to an empathetic ear for veterans, with a slant towards compassion and understanding that numbers and statistics alone cannot address.
Of most importance, everyone was encouraged to reach out to anyone that appears to be having an “off day” — ask them how they’re doing — and be prepared to offer direction, such as PA Vet Connect, 9-8-8, or referral to one of the many organizations that are working directly with wounded warriors.
Click HERE for the video recording of the Roundtable Discussion.
CONTACT: Nate Silcox