RICHMOND, Va. - As the new coronavirus pandemic increases depression and anxiety for folks across the nation, a mental health campaign is boosting support for vulnerable military veterans.

The Veterans Administration launched its "Now Is the Time" program to help veterans deal with emotional challenges - not only in May, which has been Mental Health Awareness Month, but throughout the year.

Matthew Miller, director of the VA's Suicide Prevention Program, says the online campaign offers resources and feedback from other veterans with mental health concerns, and encourages families and friends to stay in contact during this time of isolation.

"Suicide survivors have told us, 'Somebody reached out and because they reached out during that time, it helped me hang on just a little while longer,'" says Miller.

He adds the online site will be especially useful in states like Virginia, with high numbers of veterans. Almost 12% of Virginia's population is former military.

The website is 'maketheconnection.net.'

Federal statistics show veterans ages 18 to 34 experience the highest suicide rate, and 70% of veteran suicides are by firearms. Miller says the VA includes education on firearm safety as part of its Suicide Prevention Program.

But more importantly, he notes, veterans' support groups teach that time and space between a person, a firearm and ammunition can make all the difference.

"We know that suicide can be a five to 60 minute window where someone's feeling hopeless," says Miller. "But if there's separation created during that time between them, the firearm and the ammunition, it can be life saving."

In the most recent National Veteran Suicide Prevention report, veterans accounted for almost 14% of all deaths by suicide among U.S. adults, although they make up only about eight percent of the adult population.


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The 2024 Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium Public Conference kicks off Saturday, where industry experts and researchers will share the latest scientific developments and ongoing advances to fight Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

David Coon, director of the Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging at Arizona State University, will lead the conference.

Coon said experts continue to see growing numbers of people developing dementia in the Grand Canyon State, which also means increased demand for care from family and friends.

"The reality is we're still facing this," he said, "and we're facing it also with a growing number of people living alone with cognitive decline, and that is very important for us to recognize as well."

It's a growing public health crisis in Arizona, according to the Alzheimer's Association. An estimated 152,000 people 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease in the state.

Coon said increasing awareness about the disease is critical to not only diminish stigma but also plan for the future.

Saturday's event is free and will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Memorial Union on ASU's Tempe campus. Coon said a panel of experts will share information about treatment options, but also the resources and support systems available across the state.

He added that it is critical for people not to wait until a crisis strikes, and that the sooner patients know their cognitive-health status, the better they can have a voice in their own preferences for care.

"How you get assistance, who's engaged, and I think that is really important for you to be, in part, in the driver's seat," he said, "and similarly, for somebody that's going to help you along that way to have those conservations."

Coon called Saturday's event a "family affair," and encouraged anyone impacted by dementia or Alzheimer's to bring family and friends to learn more. Topics will range from new drug treatments to reducing the risk of Alzheimer's with exercise, as well as resources for caregivers.

A new report showed a significant decrease in suicidal ideation, planning and attempts on college campuses around the nation, as well as improved levels of those suffering from anxiety and depression.

The nonprofit Jed Foundation analyzed a decade's worth of data from higher ed institutions participating in their JED Campus program. It provides colleges and universities with resources and guidance to protecting and improving student mental health.

Michelle Mullen, senior vice president and chief design and impact officer for the foundation, said in Utah, 16 institutions took part in the program.

"We work them collaboratively to be able to identify what is already strong and the ways in which we can strengthen it," Mullen explained. "Are there critical pieces that may be missing to be able to enhance mental-health and suicide prevention on campus?"

With more than 18 million students attending colleges and universities every year, Mullen pointed out academic institutions are at the forefront of bringing mental health services to young adults. Her message to academic institutions is to not wait to implement what she calls a "comprehensive approach to mental health."

The group has a list of recommendations, including preventive practices, guidelines for treatment of people at risk of suicide as well as effective postvention efforts.

Mullen noted mental health challenges have risen significantly among young people and contended it is not a surprise when you take into account the multiple stresses and challenges younger adults face, such as what she calls "today's comparison culture," brought on by social media, mass shootings, race and faith-based harassment and threats as well as decreasing protections for LGBTQ+ youths.

"The amazing thing is that we are now seeing results that are coming out of our reports, is that this group is incredibly resilient," Mullen observed. "With the right support and structure, then they do better on campus. So there is hope and there is something we can do."

Mullen added if you or someone you know is struggling, the first step is to reach out to a friend, a family member or a professional for help. She said one can also call 988 to receive free and confidential support for those in distress.


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Alzheimer's disease is the eighth-leading cause of death in Pennsylvania.

A documentary on the topic debuts Saturday in Pittsburgh. "Remember Me: Dementia in the African American Community" features individuals and families who are dealing with memory loss.

C. Nathaniel Brown, founder and CEO of Expected End Entertainment and a former Pittsburgh resident, said his aunt lives with dementia, which sparked his interest in talking with others to find out more about the disease and how it affects communities of color.

"The first thing I found out was that there are over 100 types of dementia," Brown noted. "And the more I learned, the more I realized how much it was impacting the African American community disproportionately. We're twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or some other progressive type of dementia."

The film will be shown at the Carnegie Library in Homewood, from Noon to 3 p.m. ET. It is free, but registration is required. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than half of Black Americans believe major declines in memory and cognitive function are simply a normal part of aging, rather than symptoms of Alzheimer's or dementia.

Brown added after the screening, there will be a question-and-answer session and community organizations will be there to provide resources.

"Allegheny County Health Department will be present, the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer's disease Research Center will be there," Brown outlined. "The Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania organization will be there, as well as several people who were interviewed for the film, including counselors, professionals."

He mentioned the documentary features the late Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr. Brown said Gossett emphasized the importance of leaving a legacy by educating people about living with Alzheimer's, steps to take after diagnosis, and preventive measures.


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