September 17 – Visit to Lines for Life where Military Helpline is staffed 24/7/365 by veterans and professional volunteers. They assist all active duty service members, veterans and their families with concerns including alcohol and drug abuse, domestic problems, financial difficulties, job challenges, emotional distress, Post Traumatic Stress, thoughts of suicide and other challenges. From 2005 to 2010 service members took their own lives at a rate of approximately 1 every 36 hours. Today, a veteran takes their life every 80 minutes. This is an amazing group of volunteers who are independent of any branch of the military or government. All conversations remain completely anonymous, and the service member or family member can talk with them without fear of repercussions. As put so well by First Lady Michelle Obama “ These combat related mental health challenges are normal, natural human responses to the violence of war. They are not in any way a sign of weakness, and they should never be a source of shame or cause for stigma. But too often, they are misunderstood or misdiagnosed.” For more information on Lines for Life please follow the link below!
Oregon Partnership Lines for Life is a nonprofit promoting healthy kids and communities through drug and alcohol awareness. free online help desk
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