EUGENE, Ore. - Lane Community College Veteran Services will host a screening of the documentary “Project 22: A Message of Hope” about suicide among veterans, on Tuesday, May 23 at 10 a.m., in the Center for Meeting and Learning, Building 19, Room 226, main campus. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion including student veterans and community partners. The event is free and everyone’s welcome.
The documentary was produced by two veterans who went on a road trip across the United States to raise awareness that 22 veterans commit suicide every day, says Stacey Vasquez , Veterans Administration Certifying Official for Lane. Vasquez wants to help educate students who will be working with veterans throughout their career.
Lane has about 375 student veterans registered for VA benefits.
According to the most recent “VA Suicide Prevention Program Report” from July 2016, and Veteran Suicide Statistics from 2001-2014, an average of 22 veterans die from suicide each day. Vasquez says it is important to note that 6 of the 22 were users of VA services, and the statistic does not include service members denied VA benefits, those who refused VA healthcare due to the lack of care, or those who were never in the VA system because they had private insurance or were eligible to continue other insurance. “The actual rate is much higher. The new statistic released by the VA Report of July 2016 shows that approximately 32 to 35 veterans a day die by suicide.”
For accommodations to attend this event, contact the LCC Center for Accessible Resources at (541) 463-5150 (voice), 711 (relay), or -email AccessibleResources@lanecc.edu
For more information about Lane Community College:
Lane is an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabilities Employer
###