“SHINE A LIGHT, SHOW SUPPORT, RAISE AWARENESS AND THANK OUR VETERANS”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Johnson
(410) 219-3947 (Office)
(410) 251-5379 (Cell)
“SHINE A LIGHT, SHOW SUPPORT, RAISE AWARENESS AND THANK OUR VETERANS”
(November 4, 2024, Salisbury, MD) November is National Veterans and Military Family Month and November 4-11 is Nationwide Operation Green Light for Veterans. During this week, buildings and landmarks across the country will be illuminated green to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families. Now in its third year, Operation Green Light is expected to draw hundreds of communities to participate. In addition to lighting county buildings, bridges, and other meaningful landmarks, residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb inside or outside of their home to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
Service members, veterans and their families face unique stressors, and we can open conversations on addressing mental health and/or substance use concerns. Veterans die by suicide at a higher rate than non-veterans and are at higher risk of developing an alcohol or substance use disorder. The Tri- County Veterans Support Workgroup, comprised of behavioral health providers, veterans and veteran serving organizations, was developed one year ago with the goal of seeking opportunities to improve behavioral health service delivery for veterans and their family members on the Lower Shore of Maryland.
According to Michelle Hardy, The Director of the Wicomico Local Behavioral Health Authority, “We all can take action to prevent suicide and substance use and provide support to veterans and their families. Early detection, intervention and connecting individuals to necessary resources are all essential.” It is important to recognize warning signs and symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, withdrawing from loved ones, alcohol or substance abuse and previous suicidal thoughts or attempts. Additionally, knowing available resources and how to access them, or help others access them is critical.
Veteran Crisis Lines Available
- Text or Call: 988 Press 1
- Chat 988 at chat.988lifeline.org/
Other Urgent Services Available:
- Life Crisis Center 410-749-4357(HELP)
- Community Outreach Addictions Team (COAT) 443-783-6875
- Eastern Shore Crisis Response- Sante Group 1-888-407-8018
- TidalHealth Crisis Center 8AM to 8 PM 410-543-7181
Other Resources are
Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans 1-877-770-4801
Wicomico Local Behavioral Health Authority 410-543-6891
Tri- County Veterans Resource Guide
On social media you can share the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
For more information on Operation Green Light, click here.
For more information call the Wicomico County Health Department’s Local Behavioral Health Authority 410-543-6891. Or visit our website at www.wicomicohealth.org, or follow us on Facebook, and Instagram (WicomicoHealth).
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