Ocean County Freeholders seek congressional help in curbing veteran suicides

According to federal statistics, an estimated 22 veterans die by suicide each day. Media reports in the Navy Times and other publications have noted that some veterans calling a hotline have faced long wait times before speaking with a counselor.

“This is totally unacceptable,” stated Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the county’s Veterans Service Bureau. “These brave men and women answered their nation’s call and volunteered to serve. Now it’s our turn to be there for them.”

Photo via Liberty Alliance
An estimated 22 veterans die
by suicide every day.

On behalf of the county’s board of chosen freeholders, Little has outlined his concerns in a letter to federal Reps. Chris Smith, Frank LoBiondo and Tom MacArthur, urging them to take action.

“We ask you to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure our veterans receive all of the services and care that they have so valiantly earned,” the letter states.

The crisis line in question handles about 1,300 calls a day, with about 300 calls transferred to backup centers manned by VA contractors, said Little. Ocean County, which is home to more veterans than any other county in New Jersey, also provides several avenues for veterans in need of assistance, he said.

Counseling is available through the Veterans Service Bureau offices in Manahawkin and Toms River.

The Vets Center, an arm of the VA, also provides counseling at its office, located on Route 70 in Lakewood, as well as at a mobile bus that makes regular stops at the Veterans Bureau Manahawkin office.

For more information, call the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau Office at 732-929-2096.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.