Veterans to Benefit from Suicide Prevention Program

West Virginia is introducing a suicide prevention program for veterans. On Wednesday, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and the state Department of Veterans Assistance unveiled the program named Mountain State 22. The governor says it’s the country’s first state-managed program aimed specifically at curbing veterans’ suicides. There will be regional discussion meetings with a variety of agencies, veterans and organizations focusing on suicide risks that include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and after-effects of chemical exposure, and the program will include educational and public awareness components to reach veterans and their families. Bailey says the program is in its initial stages.