BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Florida state leaders are making sure people are trained to identify veterans going through a mental crisis to help them.
Florida has the third highest veteran population, according to The Fire Watch. That's a Florida-based nonprofit organization that surrounds its mission around preventing veteran suicide at the community level.
Congressman Gus Bilirakis organized for the organization to meet with veterans and community members on Friday afternoon in Brooksville. The organization trained veterans and community members on how to spot if a veteran is going through a mental health crisis and how to help.
The organization used the acronym "SAVE" – which stands for signs, ask, validate and expedite. Those are key things to helping someone who is going through a mental crisis.
The organization reported more than 530 veterans have taken their lives in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties from 2010 to 2021. Those who attended the training said knowing how to help will save lives.
"I am a suicide survivor. I feel very fortunate that I’m able to take my inequities and bring them forward to help others," Navy veteran Mary Ann Keckler said.
For anyone struggling, there are resources out there. There is the Florida Veterans Support line at 1-844-693-5838 and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.