September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization. Mental health challenges are a growing issue within our military and Veteran community and the Legion is working to ensure serving military and all Veterans have access to the help they need.
In June, 2015, the Legion donated $1 million to mental health research at The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group to be used to open Canada’s first brain-imaging centre exclusively dedicated to mental health research. This new research technology will revolutionize mental health care and set new standards of treatment for future generations including our brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
In 2012, the Legion established a national homeless Veterans program, “Leave the Streets Behind”, with an over $1 million commitment. The program provides immediate financial assistance and support when and where needed and connects Veterans with the appropriate social and community services to establish a long term solution to meet their needs.
The Legion partners with and supports numerous programs and initiatives across the country that support mental health, including the Veterans Transition Network, Joint Personnel Support Unit, and Soldier On to name a few. And though the Legion cannot assist directly in the specialized area of mental health, our Service Officer Network can direct you or a Veteran you know to numerous programs and services available for Veterans and their families to get the help they need.
If you need help, or to learn more about mental health supports available to Veterans and their families, visit our website: www.legion.ca/we-can-help/mental-health