Anniston, AL – Jackson Hodges Director of Public Relations at the city of Anniston revealed that the partners of Alabama’s Challenge and the City of Anniston will be hosting a veterans well-being town hall as well as a resource fair on April 26, beginning at 10 am in Anniston City Meeting Center. Anniston City Meeting Center (1615 Noble Street, Anniston, AL 36201).
The two-part celebration is prompted by a state-wide initiative called Alabama’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF) that is designed to counter the persistent stigma Veterans suffer from mental illnesses. Recent data released shows that the number of Veterans in Alabama were killed by suicide in 2021. This is more than average for the country Veteran average, and substantially more than the national average for civilian suicide.
The town hall will provide the opportunity for veterans as well as the general public to learn from the many federal, state and local sources while being informed about the crisis line 988, VA programs and healthcare, QPR training and more. Veterans as well as service members, their family members, and other residents will also have the opportunity to ask questions of panelists as well as have one-onone conversations with service providers.
Veterans who attend the resource fair will have the chance to speak to ADVA Veterans Service Officers to apply for VA benefits, file VA pension and compensation claims, get access to health services, and find out about other programs for veterans. the Partners of Alabama’s Challenge are also working in conjunction with The Alabama Department of Labor to host 20 employers to provide assistance with employment.
Alabama’s Challenge is a program that is designed to provide a significant long-term, sustainable outcome for the state, as we continue combating stigmas associated with mental illness. You can find out more about Alabama’s challenge and resources for the well-being of veterans on vetsforhope.com.
