A total of $750,000 in federal funding is headed to WestCare California’s veteran mental health services. This funding will support suicide prevention programs and services for veterans and their families at WestCare California’s San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) locations in Stockton and Merced.

“Our veterans are heroes and we need to do everything we can to support them and their families,” said area Congressman Josh Harder when the funding was announced on Sept. 13. “One veteran taken from us by suicide is one too many. This new funding will help get our veterans the mental health services they need to get healthy.”

On average, approximately 17 veterans die by suicide every day. Veterans in crisis or concerned friends and loved ones can reach the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 for confidential support by dialing 988 and pressing 1. Veterans Crisis Line services are also available through text at 838255 and an online chat portal at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.