Submitted by Bill Doss
Hamilton County Veterans Corp.
You probably know that military veterans have a higher suicide rate than civilians, but did you know that Indiana veterans have an even higher suicide rate?
These are just two of the multiple facts that Kristen Ludeker-Seibert presented at the Jonathan Jennings Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) monthly chapter meeting held Nov. 21 at Carmel’s VFW Post #10003.
Ludeker-Seibert is the facilitator of the “Stronger Veterans, Stronger Communities” (SVSC) Coalition on the Prevention of Suicide for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families/Caregivers. The Coalition has received crisis intercept training through the Department of Health and Human Services and worked in partnership with the Veterans Health Administration to develop veteran connection opportunities alongside the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs.
Hamilton County’s SVSC was the first coalition in Indiana to receive funding from the state for suicide prevention efforts for service members, veterans, and their families and caregivers through the Governor’s Challenge.
Veteran suicides in Hamilton County were on an upward trend in 2021, and this was quickly recognized by those in public health. As we started bringing likeminded people and resources to the table, going over the data and discussing opportunities, we recognized the need for reaching out to those who were not connected. We had to find, create ways to bring the resources to the people, to make that connection for them so they might get answers to their questions, needs and concerns and live a better more fulfilled life here in Hamilton County. Thus the SVSC coalition was created and has continued to build from there.
Soon after creation, SVSC began working alongside the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs. The purpose of the Coalition organically fit into the incoming Governor’s Challenge of suicide prevention efforts. SVSC has continued to build goals and projects that meet the needs of the Hamilton County veteran community as well as requirements of the Indiana Governor’s Challenge. The more we all know about the resources available to address our concerns and needs, the stronger and more connected we will be as a community.
The SVSC coalition is a community comprised of organizations, veterans, active service members, family members, and volunteers, so all are invited to join us in the fight against death by suicide. If you are interested in joining, please contact Kristen Ludeker-Seibert at kludeker-seibert@hamiltoncountyphhc.org.
At the conclusion of the meeting, DAR presented $460 in gift cards and several beautiful handmade quilts and crocheted blankets to the VFW for distribution to local needy veterans and their families.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s organization dedicated to preserving American history and whose mission is to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. DAR members throughout the U.S. volunteer their time to provide assistance to veterans in both Veterans Administration hospitals and non-VA facilities and provide more than 200,000 hours of volunteer time to veterans annually.
The Jonathan Jennings Chapter is based in Carmel, and the Chapter Regent is Heath Albert. The chapter currently has more than 90 members and welcomes any women interested in joining. For more information, visit dar.org or email jjdarregent@gmail.com.