Larimer County Behavioral Health Services and the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment are partnering with the Northern Colorado and Cheyenne Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Imagine Zero, and the Alliance for Suicide Prevention to host a one-day wellness summit for Veterans, caregivers and family members, and Veteran service providers. This event seeks to honor the experiences, strengths, and difficulties of Veterans and their families.

Connect with Intention: A Wellness Summit for the Veteran Community will be held on Aug. 15, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins. The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided to those registered at www.bit.ly/veterans2023.

Sessions will focus on topics related to well-being, including information about suicide prevention, access to care, and harm reduction. Experiential activities to create new opportunities for belonging and connectedness within the local Veteran community will be provided.

According to a 2022 report published by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veteran suicide rate in Colorado was significantly higher than both the national Veteran suicide rate and the national general population suicide rate.

A national survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that many people feel ashamed of their challenges or worry that others will not be sympathetic to their conditions. The goal of Connect with Intention: A Wellness Summit for the Veteran Community is to provide a forum for Veterans, caregivers and family members, and Veteran service providers to connect and share resources in support of Veteran well-being.

To register for this free event, visit www.bit.ly/veterans2023

The Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, Press 1

The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential hotline, online chat, or text. Dial 988 and Press 1 or visit veterancrisisline.net for crisis chat services and more information.