Dear John,

This week is National Suicide Prevention Week.

That means it's time to have a direct but honest conversation about mental health in this country – and especially about the challenges our veterans face when they return home.

The frightening truth is that more than 6,000 veterans lose their lives to suicide every year. That's more than 16 people a day.

Our family has seen firsthand the challenges our veterans face when it comes to accessing adequate mental health services. When Matt came home from Iraq and struggled to get the care he needed, I became a veterans' advocate — because no service member should have to fight for the care they earned.

We also know how far a little act of kindness can go toward making sure people know they're not alone.

In too many cases, people struggling with suicidal thoughts feel isolated. It's on all of us to build communities of care and check in with each other.

But kindness alone is not enough. We need to fix the broken veterans' care system in this country.

- That means fully funding the VA.

- It means demanding an adequate standard of care for all returning service members.

- And it means making sure that our veterans know that we have their back – and that they won't need a lawyer by their side to make use of the services promised to them.

If you know of anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know that 988 is now a National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – just hit 1 when you dial and you'll be connected with dedicated support for veterans and their loved ones. You can also text 838255.

Together, we have the power to build a better world – but it's going to take all of us working together.

Take care, and check in on the people you love.

Tuebor,

Callie

Callie Barr
Candidate for Congress in Michigan's First District.




Paid for by Callie Barr for Congress

Callie Barr for Congress
PO Box 6921
Traverse City, MI 49696
United States

Callie Barr is an advocate for veterans and spouse to a former U.S. Marine. Use of military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform do not imply endorsement from the Department of Defense or the Marine Corps.

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