New Coalition Formed To Educate Community On Veterans Suicide Prevention

A new coalition has been formed to empower community members with the skills to address suicide among veterans.

Sparta American Legion Post Commander Ron Lapierre said the Upper Cumberland Veterans Suicide Awareness Coalition is a group of local veterans and suicide preventionists partnering with Veteran Affairs.

“With this team forming, this coalition forming, they’re actually going to provide actual experts to come train people in the community,” Lapierre said. “They’ll set up classrooms, dates and you can come and actually learn how to watch for the signs.”

Lapierre said as a Post Commander, he sees a high need for the specialized training. Lapierre said often times, it can be difficult for a civilian to relate.

“This problem could have happened years and years ago in some kind of conflict and all of a sudden something now triggers it,” Lapierre said. “Now he is reliving it day for day. You need to be able to get to his mind before he does something serious.”

Lapierre said by attending classes, you can learn how to communicate safely, correct misconceptions and convey hope for those at risk of suicide.

Lapierre said the group will meet March 31st at 5:30 at the White County Courthouse. Lapierre said the community is welcome while the coalition establishes its calendar of training for the year.