Milwaukee leaders kick off Veterans Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Veterans Day is coming up on Nov. 11 -- a time for Americans to honor everyone who's served in the U.S. military.

And at Milwaukee's City Hall Monday, Nov. 3, a new flag was displayed, reminding us of the veterans who have suffered greatly after their tour of duty. This was a ceremony to promote the mental health of veterans and suicide awareness. 

City leaders like Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, who is a veteran herself, were on hand for the flag raising.

She pointed to stats from the state Department of Health Services noting that in 2023, 134 veterans took their own lives. And while veterans make up only 6% of Wisconsin's population, veterans make up 5% of the adult suicide cases here. 

"Mental health issues such as PTSD, depression and anxiety affect a large number of those who have served," said Ald. Larresa Taylor. "And stigma often prevents individuals from seeking the help that they need."

Milwaukee is the only city in the U.S. to have declared November Veterans Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month.