{"id":55676,"date":"2020-07-07T23:41:32","date_gmt":"2020-07-07T23:41:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/07\/07\/us-government-launches-campaign-to-reduce-high-suicide-rates\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T11:33:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T11:33:18","slug":"us-government-launches-campaign-to-reduce-high-suicide-rates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/veterans\/2020\/07\/07\/us-government-launches-campaign-to-reduce-high-suicide-rates\/","title":{"rendered":"US government launches campaign to reduce high suicide rates, particularly among veterans"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON \u2014 The federal government launched a broad national campaign Tuesday aimed at reducing high suicide rates, urging the public to reach out to others, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, and acknowledge daily stresses in people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known as REACH, the government campaign is the core part of a $53 million, two-year effort announced by President Donald Trump to reduce suicide, particularly among veterans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting Wednesday, digital ads will hit the internet with the key message that \u201csuicide is preventable\u201d and that collective action not only by government but also by businesses, schools, nonprofits and faith-based organizations can overcome the stigma of discussing mental health and empower people to understand risk factors, stay connected with others and talk openly about problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Secretary
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Richard Wilkie, left, and second lady Karen Pence, wearing protective masks against COVID-19, applaud as they attend an event on a campaign to raise awareness on the risks of veterans suicide on July 7, 2020, at the National Press Club in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin\/AP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWorking together, we can implement this road map and end this national tragedy of suicide,\u201d said Vice President Mike Pence\u2019s wife, Karen Pence<\/a>, a lead spokesperson for the government effort. She called it an opportune time, noting increased social distancing because of the coronavirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll of us have been facing anxieties and isolation,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s OK to not be OK. … The best thing is to talk about it more, not less.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo one should be afraid to ask for help,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\t