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Alabama leaders, veterans groups partner to launch 'Alabama's Challenge'

A new suicide prevention initiative called Alabama's Challenge is bringing attention to suicide among veterans.

ALABAMA, USA — A new suicide prevention initiative called Alabama's Challenge has been launched in the state. It's goal is to bring attention to veteran suicide and find solutions to the issue.

Veterans are at a higher risk of suicide. Nearly 18% of people who die by suicide in Alabama are veterans, but only 9.1% of Alabamians have served.

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and several other organizations are partnering in hopes this initiative will have a long-term impact for our service members, veterans, and their families.

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Alabama's Challenge is an aligned effort between the legislative Task Force on Veterans' Suicide and the Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among SMVF, which share a significant overlap in goals and team membership. The efforts were aligned in March 2021 through HJR 28, which also extended the Alabama Task Force on Veterans' Suicide created by HJR 151 through the last legislative day of the 2022 Regular Session.

"Once someone has served our great nation, we owe it to these great men and women to help them enter civilian life," Governor Ivey said. "I can think of no better way to say, 'thank you for your service' than ensuring these heroes and their families have access to mental health resources when in need."

BeArded WARRIORs, a veteran suicide prevention non-profit in Huntsville, says it's important to focus on resources and opportunities available to our veterans.

BeArded WARRIORs President Ty Oswald said, "Especially for the vets, if you give vets or anybody something constructive to do, the problems that lead to suicide or the things that could be prevented from that is just keeping somebody engaged and knowing that they have a back up and that they are not alone."

BeArded WARRIORs holds events every month to connect veterans and their families with each other.

"Whether it's just having a meet and greet with the vets and the family members to know each other in the community or we'll meet up and do a community event," said Oswald.

RELATED: BeArded WARRIORs raising money to help pay for veteran funerals

You can keep up with BeArded WARRIORs on their Facebook page.

Over 80% of Alabama veterans who die by suicide use a gun. That's why this initiative is also focusing on firearm safety.

Rep. Rafferty, a Marine veteran, is playing a big role in this initiative. He saw a need to investigate the causes of and prevention of suicides among veterans after a friend and fellow Marine veteran died by suicide.

"I am encouraged by the momentum of this effort here in Alabama to confront the disparate impact of mental health challenges that many in the veteran community face, even years after they last wore the uniform," said Rep. Rafferty. "As a Marine veteran who has been personally affected by the devastation following a fellow veteran taking their own life, I understand the importance and immediacy of addressing this issue head on."

If you know someone at risk of suicide, veterans groups say it's important you know the warning signs.

Some warning signs are talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself, talking about feeling hopeless, trapped or being in unbearable pain, increasing the use of alcohol or drugs, acting anxious or agitated, sleeping too little or too much, and displaying mood swings.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

WATCH: Veteran details how he worked through suicidal thoughts, mental health struggles

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