Editor’s note: On Monday, Hamilton County Commissioners Christine Altman, Steven C. Dillinger, and Mark Heirbrandt issued a proclamation that emphasizes the county’s appreciation for its veterans, as well as a pledge to help save the lives of veterans.
Read the full text of the proclamation below.
WHEREAS: Hamilton County is proud to be home to 13,301 Veterans; and
WHEREAS: We continue to build, encourage, and connect resources and systems of care that empower Veterans to live their best lives and realize their full potential within our community; and
WHEREAS: Hamilton County, in collaboration with our residents and partners is committed to the health and well-being of the men and women who have served our country; and
WHEREAS: Since 2005 the rate of suicide in Hamilton County among Veterans was 32.0 per 100,000, compared with 17.2 per 100,000 for nonveterans; and
WHEREAS: We remain concerned about the number of veterans that we have lost to suicide; and
WHEREAS: We recognize the challenges when transitioning from active-duty status, understand Veteran assistance is a constant community effort, and the need to assist Veterans in navigating those resources that the Hamilton County community provides is continually addressed.
WHEREAS: We commit to engage in community efforts and collaborate with partners like the Federal Department of Veteran Affairs, the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, Hamilton County Health Department, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, community mental health centers, and our business and nonprofit community members to create effective solutions to reduce Veteran suicide within our community.
WHEREAS: We are committed to create a home community where our returning Veterans can live, work, and thrive with ready access to the care they need when they need it.
NOW THEREFORE, We the Commissioners of Hamilton County do hereby proclaim Hamilton County’s appreciation of our Veterans, and our pledge to help save Veterans lives.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hand this 8th day of November, 2021.
Christine Altman, Commissioner
Steven D. Dillinger, Commissioner
Mark Heirbrandt, Commissioner