22 push-ups for 22 days: Local first responders join challenge to bring awareness to veteran suicide

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- First responders in Milwaukee are taking a challenge to bring awareness to veterans' mental health.

On Wednesday, Nov. 1, Milwaukee police, firefighters, and activists joined army recruits to begin 22 push-ups for 22 days, a challenge that raises awareness of the 22 veterans that commit suicide every day.

For veterans like Keith Garland, who is also Milwaukee police officer, it's a statistic that hits close to home.

"I personally lost a teammate who committed suicide, and we never saw the signs, and it was sudden," Garland said.

Participants hope the challenge will help erase the stigma associated with mental health, especially in the military.

"We're talking about it; our soldiers are talking about it. We're not going to hide behind a curtain and wait until it's too late to intervene," said Lt. Col. Oliver Karp, the local commander for army recruitment.

This is the second year Milwaukee first responders have joined the push-up challenge, addressing an issue that affects their departments alike.

"There's a certain kinship that occurs when you get a bunch of people who have literally and figuratively been in the trenches," said Chief Aaron Lipski of the Milwaukee Fire Department. "You look at each other, and you understand each other, so you want to support each other."

Everyone is encouraged to try 22 push-ups for 22 days, in honor of someone you know who has been affected by suicide.

Participants are asked to record their challenge and post it on social media with the hashtag: #22for22DaysMKE

If you can't do the push-ups, you can still help by just lending a hand to those in need.

"They might feel it's a weakness to reach out for help, but we want to let them know it's not a weakness, it's a sign of strength that you need help, and we're here to help you," Garland said.