Council adopts resolution in support of veterans’ mental health awareness

As part of today’s Common Council meeting (Tuesday, September 24) the Common Council adopted file #240816 –a resolution designating November as Veterans’ Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month in Milwaukee. The file was introduced by Alderwoman Larresa Taylor who is a veteran, and believes a spotlight on this issue is of great importance.

“Wisconsin veterans’ suicide rate is 31.9 per 100,000, compared with a suicide rate of 18.8 per 100,000 among the state’s general population according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Alderwoman Taylor. “I believe we have a chance to utilize city, county, and other resources to provide meaningful support for this population of individuals who have provided a tremendous service to our country. I also hope this is something we can replicate at the State and Federal levels.”

The resolution further urges the Department of Employee Relations and the Milwaukee Health Department to promote awareness of veterans’ mental health challenges and suicide risks among City employees and Milwaukee residents, respectively. The city of Milwaukee’s 16,708 veteran residents have higher unemployment and disability rates than the city’s non-veteran residents, as well as higher unemployment and poverty rates than veterans throughout Wisconsin, according to 2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.