EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Today, members of the VALOR Ride has completed its 22-day journey Across the continental United States, they traveled 5,200 miles to raise awareness – and funds – for veteran suicide prevention.
Members of the group say the journey was completed in 22 days as a sign of solidarity with the approximately 22 veterans who end their lives every day. They hope more immediate measures will help alleviate this ongoing problem within the military community.
It started in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and extended to the Mexican border in El Paso. Using side-by-side vehicles, veterans and supporters took off on September 19, covering a wide range of terrain.
“VALOR Ride organizers invite the global community to join them in this monumental effort to combat veteran suicide,” the group said in a statement. “They invite people to support this effort, whether by following the journey, spreading the word or making a contribution, which can have a significant impact on the lives of veterans struggling with mental health issues .
If you need immediate mental help for suicide or other difficulties, there are several ways to find help:
- 988: The national lifeline in suicide and crisis – Anyone can contact the crisis line by phone, text or message at any time, for any mental distress.
- Veterans can also text 838255
- Line 988 has a Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing 988
- A chat line via the VA is available on this link
- EHN Crisis Hotline: (915-779-1800) – Locally staffed and constantly resourced in El Paso, the Emergence Health Network hotline has specialists ready to listen to you.
- Emergency Health Network.org – EHN is able to offer many different forms of support for mental health and wellbeing. From pet therapy to addiction treatment.
- NAMI-El Paso – As part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, some options are listed on their website for support and connection. NAMI focuses on supporting anyone suffering from any type of mental illness.
Avery Martinez covers mental health in the Borderland as part of ABC-7’s Be Mindful initiative. He is also a Report for America corps member. RFA places talented, emerging journalists in newsrooms like ABC-7’s to report on undercovered issues and communities. Report for America is an initiative of the GroundTruth Project, an award-winning nonprofit journalism organization dedicated to rebuilding journalism from the ground up.