A local organization called Kulak Marine Alliance of Alabama is leading the way in preventing veterans from committing suicide. In Alabama, the suicide rate for veterans is higher than the national average. The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs shows that in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, 152 Alabama veterans committed suicide, which accounted for 18% of suicides in the state. John O’ Malley is an organizer for the Krulak Marine Alliance of Alabama. The organization is raising awareness this year by providing information and resources to many veterans struggling with suicidal thoughts. “We have helped at least 19 people to commit suicide. That might not seem like a big number. It’s really a big number, saving a life is a big number. We’re involved with two others talking with them,” O’Malley said. suicide are not registered with the VA. O’Malley says the organization hopes to change that. They also plan to increase veterans’ awareness of organizations to prevent them from being isolated and help them establish a new purpose in life. Veterans struggling with suicidal thoughts can find more information and resources at vetforcemultiplier.org. someone you know needs help, you can speak with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or you can chat online here.
A local organization called Kulak Marine Alliance of Alabama is leading the way to prevent veterans from committing suicide.
In Alabama, the suicide rate for veterans is higher than the national average. The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs shows that in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 152 Alabama veterans committed suicide, which accounted for 18% of suicides in the state.
John O’Malley is an organizer for the Krulak Marine Alliance of Alabama. The organization is raising awareness this year by providing information and resources to many veterans struggling with suicidal thoughts.
“We have helped at least 19 people to commit suicide. That might not seem like a big number. It’s really a big number, saving a life is a big number. We’re involved with two others right now talking to them,” O’Malley said.
O’Malley said most Alabama veterans commit suicide due to isolation from family members, co-workers and even their faith.
Seventy percent of veterans who commit suicide are not registered with the VA. O’Malley says the organization hopes to change that. They also plan to raise awareness by involving more veterans in organizations to prevent them from isolating themselves and help them establish a new purpose in life.
Veterans struggling with suicidal thoughts can find more information and resources at vetforcemultiplier.org.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can speak with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or you can chat online here.
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