On Friday, we learned about an Evans City community group founded by Deb and Jim Smith called A.J.’s Stop 22, which has raised a cumulative $108,450 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in its six-year existence.

Named for their son, a veteran who served in Iraq and who died by suicide in 2016, the group highlights a chilling statistic: 22 veterans die from suicide every day.

22.

Every day.

Those who have not served cannot truly imagine the burdens veterans carry with them throughout their lives. It is up to everyone to follow the Smith family’s lead and ensure these individuals get the care they are owed, so that no more lives are lost.

The exquisite selflessness of our military is something we’ve lauded before, and we’re not about to stop. They shoulder responsibilities the rest of us will never know.

According to the American Addiction Centers, exposure to trauma while in the service can lead to increased risk of substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

The stigma that surrounds mental illness seems to be dissipating every year. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Service Organizations have developed several resources to provide support for those veterans who need it.

The VA website has a detailed page full of links for those who may not know where to start.

Support can be found at any time, day or night, with a variety of communication options, including phone, text and private chat. And they include options for those with hearing loss.

Someone seeking help also can report to the nearest VA medical center regardless of discharge status.

The VA also has information on the BeThere peer assistance program, in partnership with Military OneSource, which offers support to service members (including National Guard soldiers and Reservists), their families and transitioning veterans up to 365 days after separation or retirement.

Through this program, veterans can talk privately with peer coaches who are veterans, service members or military spouses themselves. Sometimes, speaking with someone who can empathize is better than speaking with someone who can only sympathize.

The men and women who endure more for this country than most of us can fathom deserve the best care we have to offer. Our debt to them is huge.

For more information on connecting with these resources, visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health.

We commend the Smith family and those involved with A.J.’s Stop 22 for their efforts to give back and spread awareness.

–CM