AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services has released a new video meant to raise awareness of veteran suicides and available mental health resources. Maine’s veteran suicide rate is higher than the regional, national and general population rates. Consequently, the Bureau hopes the video will be seen by veterans and their loved ones, prompting them to reach out for help.
Click image to view video
“Nationally, up to 20 veterans take their own lives per day, but only six are enrolled in the VA,” stated Dave Richmond, acting director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services. “This video is part of our effort to connect with more of Maine’s veterans and their loved ones and encourage them to utilize the resources that are available to them. We can help.”
The theme of the two-minute video is “life is worth living.” It empowers viewers to know the signs and to seek help. It also features the invaluable insight of Kelly Ela, a Coast Guard veteran who attempted to take her own life and who is now a veteran advocate.
The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services emphasizes that anyone – a veteran struggling with PTSD or contemplating suicide; a family member concerned about their parent, child, husband, wife; or an employer worried about a veteran on their team – can connect with the Bureau for assistance in understanding and accessing available resources.
A new resource available to Maine veterans is mental health case management. The pilot program was established after the passage of L.D. 1231, “An Act Regarding Mental Health Care for Maine Veterans”. It is open to all veterans, free of charge, no matter their discharge or length of service.
Both Easterseals Maine and Health Affiliates Maine were selected to serve as participating providers due to their recent history of working with service members, veterans and their families. Organizations and providers are encouraged to make referrals on behalf of veterans in need of care, and veterans are also encouraged to self-refer.
To learn more about the available resources highlighted in the video, please contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at 207-430-6035 or visit www.maine.gov/veterans.
About Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services
The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services was established in 1947 by the State of Maine and is part of the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management. Our mission is to help Mainers who served, and their loved ones, understand and navigate the benefits, services, and programs available to them. The Bureau does this by being a responsive, experienced, and dedicated advocate. The Bureau is headquartered at Camp Keyes and has six field service offices located throughout the state and a claims office located at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Togus, Maine. The Bureau also operates the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery System which includes four veterans’ cemeteries. For more information about the Bureau or to request assistance, please visit our website at www.maine.gov/veterans.
