Military Veterans Advocacy (MVA) will host the Third Annual Veterans Get Outside Day at Niagara Falls, New York June 14, 2025. The event that connects Veterans with resources and encourages outdoor activities to improve mental health. This is a free event and everyone is invited.
This year’s event will be held on Old Falls Street between First Street and Riverway, with some activities in Niagara Falls State Park. The event will feature music and other entertainment throughout the day. Guests will have an opportunity to visit local and regional vendors. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and New York State Department of Veterans Services, as well as community providers will be available to discuss benefits and health care. During the event a special emphasis will be put on sports and outdoor activities, including information on adaptive sports. vETERANS gET OUTSIDE dAY sCHEDULENiagara Falls State Park activities begin at 9 a.m.
Old Falls Street Opening ceremonies 11 a.m.
Thank you to our Sponors! |
Why do we have Veterans Get Outside Day? MVA leadership is deeply concerned about the Veteran suicide rate. It is no secret that suicide claims far too many people. Military Veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are at an even greater risk of depression, unclear thinking, and suicide. In 2022, the most recent data available, 6,407 Veterans took their lives. Of the 47,891 Americans who died from suicide in 2022, 13.37% were Veterans. Since Veterans make up about 6% of the U.S. adult population, this is significant. The 2024 VA National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report found that we lose an average of 17.6 Veterans per day to suicide, of which only 7 had received VA healthcare services in the previous two years. They may not even be aware of the resources available. With events like Veterans Get Outside Day, we hope to connect all Veterans with government or community resources that can improve their lives. 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. Events like Veterans Get Outside Day can help bridge that gap. |