Governor Walz Signs Proclamation Raising Awareness About Veteran Suicide

Press Release

At a virtual event hosted by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs today, Governor Tim Walz signed a proclamation to increase awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention, especially among veterans. The proclamation, in partnership with the President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS), is part of a national effort to prevent veterans' suicide.

"It was my honor to join Secretary Wilkie and other governors to recognize the importance of preventing veteran suicide," said Governor Walz. "Having served 24 years in the Army National Guard, supporting our veterans is a top priority for my Administration. That's why our supplemental budget would fund a Veteran Suicide Prevention Office to work with federal and local partners to support our veterans' mental health."

More than 30 Governors signed similar proclamations to participate in the challenge to eliminate veteran death by suicide.

More than 100 veterans have died annually by suicide in Minnesota from 2014 to 2018. To support the goal of preventing veteran suicide, the Governor submitted a supplemental budget proposal, which included creating a Veteran Suicide Prevention Office within the Department of Veterans Affairs to address the ongoing problem of veteran suicide in Minnesota. The new office will work with partners from other state, local, and federal entities on suicide prevention efforts and engage in research and education. The office will focus on reducing the incidence of veteran suicide by aligning resources for veterans in need and those who care for them.

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