(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Annville, PA) The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) reminds Pennsylvanians that during National Suicide Prevention Month, there are resources available to those that are in crisis or those that need additional support.

Suicide is still a significant concern within the veteran community.

According to data from 2022, male veterans over age 35 experienced increased suicide rates, while female veterans, aged 18-34, had the highest suicide rates among their peers.

More than 650,000 veterans live throughout Pennsylvania, but one suicide of a veteran is one too many.

The DMVA is asking everyone to reach out to the veterans in their lives and to let them know that they are cared for, heard and seen.

If you are concerned about a veteran in crisis, or you are one, there is available 24/7, confidential, free support by calling 988, then pressing 1, by sending a text message to the number 838255 or talk online by clicking here.

Another way for Pennsylvanians to raise awareness for suicide prevention is for them to light a candle at 8 p.m. tomorrow in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day.

This annual observance is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention.