Mega Doctor News
Each year, Veterans Day serves as an opportunity for our great nation to unite and show appreciation to those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and honor those lives lost in military service in defense of freedom, liberty and justice for all.
But serving in the military can have serious and enduring repercussions. While some make the ultimate sacrifice, others return home with their physical health considerably impacted.
Meanwhile, the mental health challenges veterans face as they transition from military service to civilian life can be profound with long-lasting “invisible wounds,” as dubbed in a landmark study by research organization RAND. Upon returning from combat, veterans can experience a wave of emotions, including anxiety, guilt, anger, sadnessand hopelessness. For many, it can result in mental health conditions and issues with alcohol dependence.
The most widely publicized mental health challenges veterans and service members face include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, per the National Center of Biotechnology Information. An estimated 14% to 16% of U.S. service members deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq are affected by PTSD or depression.
In its unwavering commitment to supporting Rio Grande Valley veterans and helping them prioritize their mental health, South Texas Health System Behavioral will host its second annual “A Salute to Valley Veterans” concert and community fair on Saturday, November 9, the weekend before Veterans Day.
“It should come as no surprise… Mental health is an essential part of our overall health and well-being. It should be a priority for everyone, including our veterans,” says Jessica Becker, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Behavioral. “Unfortunately, many veterans don’t seek help because of the stigma surrounding mental health. Instead, they suffer in silence, worrying that they’ll be seen as weak or that they’ll tarnish their image. STHS Behavioral invites the community to join us in helping our beloved veterans know that they are not alone, that we’re here to support them through any mental health challenges they may be facing. Together, we can help end the stigma surrounding mental health in the veteran community and ensure those who served in the military get the help they need.”
Taking place at the STHS Behavioral grounds from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., the event will honor the sacrifices of all who’ve served in the military while continuing to raise important awareness about the continued mental health struggles within the veteran community. All local veterans and their family members, as well as South Texas Health System staff members who have served in the military, are welcome to attend.
The event will feature free food, live music, games and a community fair to help shine a spotlight on veteran services and resources available in the Valley. STHS Behavioral representatives will be on hand to talk about the COMPACT Act, which expands the inpatient and outpatient mental health services for veterans experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as the services available at the facility.
Additionally, STHS will reveal its STHS Veteran of the Year, an annual award presented to a member of the STHS staff who proudly served in our nation’s military.
For more information on STHS Behavioral’s “A Salute to Valley Veterans” Concert & Community Fair, visit the STHS Facebook Events page.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Behavioral |
| What: | A Salute to Valley Veterans Concert & Community Fair |
| When: | Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. |
| Where: | South Texas Health System Behavioral2102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX. 78539 |
