Photo Credit: Billy Black Photography
VEterans Get Outside Day Newport, RHode Island June 9th, 2024
Military Veterans Advocacy (MVA) will host the Second Annual Veterans Get Outside Day at Ft. Adams, Newport, Rhode Island June 9, 2024. This is the second year for the event that connects Veterans with resources and encourages outdoor activities to improve mental health. This event is free for all attendees.
One of MVA’s issues of concern is the Veteran suicide rate. It is no secret that suicide claims far too many people. For military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) they are at an even greater risk of depression, unclear thinking, and suicide. In 2021, the most recent data available, nearly 6,400 Veterans took their lives. Of the 48,183 Americans who died from suicide in 2021, 13% were Veterans. Since Veterans make up about 6% of the U.S. Adult population, this is significant. Sixty-two percent of Veteran suicides were among those who had not received VA healthcare services in the previous two years. They may not even be aware of the resources available.
Studies have shown that individuals who spend time outdoors in natural settings, whether they are doing sports or other activities, have a better outlook on life. It is hoped that this event will encourage Veterans and others that may be struggling to find an activity or resources that will excite them about spending more time outside and enjoy life. It is hoped that events like Veteran Get Outside Day can help bridge that gap.
Proposed events:
- Opening and closing ceremonies
- Walk/run sponsored by Run Newport
- Resources from VA Providence Medical Center and VA Benefits Regional Office, RI Veteran Services
- No cost space for government agencies and nonprofits that provide free services to Veterans
- Speakers and entertainment throughout the day
- Adaptive sports opportunities including Bike Newport
- Sailing lessons and excursions with Sail Newport
- Free hop-on, hop-off trolly to the Newport historic and tourist centers (Pending)
- Approximately 200 vendors and food trucks
- Tours of Ft. Adams (Paid)
- Tours of SSV Oliver Hazard Perry (Pending)
For more information contact donna.stratford@mvadvocacy.org
References:
“What You Should Know About Traumatic Brain Injury and Suicide Prevention”, Defense Suicide Prevention Office
“PTSD and Death From Suicide”, Veterans Affairs National Cetner for PTSD Research Quarterly
“Natural environments and Suicide”, The Lancet, March 2018
“The Potential for Outdoor Nature-based Interventions in the Treatment and prevention of Depression”, Frontiers in Psychology, March 23, 2022
2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report
Copyright Military Veterans Advocacy 2024
Other Veterans Get Outside Day Activities
Check out our joint initiative with 02 Project the 10-A-Day Challenge where we encourage veterans to get outside at least 10 minutes a day! Additionally, apply to be a vendor for our Veterans Get Outside Day on June 9th, 2024