Title
To recognize December as Veterans Suicide Awareness Month
Body
WHEREAS, According to the most recent U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs study, approximately 20 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Veterans face a disproportionate risk of suicide when compared to the general population. Younger veterans, especially those who served on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, are at the highest risk for suicide; and
WHEREAS, The risk of suicide can be reduced through awareness, proper education, resources, and treatment. It is important that our community rally behind our veterans to protect them from such a tragic fate; and
WHEREAS, Eli Smith is a Central Ohio native and a United States Army Veteran that has made it his mission to hike and bike to all four corners of the United States to raise awareness for the issues of PTSD and suicide in the veterans community; and
WHEREAS, Eli has been on this 13,000 mile journey since November of 2016 and has set out to accomplish his goal by October 2019; and
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize the month of December as Veteran Suicide Awareness month, and expresses its support for the members of our military struggling with mental health.