THE FOLLOWING IS A VA ILLIANA HEALTH CARE RELEASE
DANVILLE, Ill. – VA Illiana will host a virtual Survivor Loss Vigil, Friday, November 3, 2023, at 2 p.m. CST. Veterans, family members, and community members are welcome to join the vigil which will be broadcasted via Facebook.
The event will consist of remarks by VA Illiana Executive Director, Staci Williams and the Suicide Prevention Team. VA Illiana’s Chaplain Service will lead a moment of silent remembrance and a candle lighting.
This event will give survivors a chance to heal by coming together to forgive and remember loved ones lost to suicide. It will be an important start to the holiday season as holidays may serve as a reminder that the family is not whole.
“VA Illiana’s mission is to care for those “who have borne the battle” and their families, caregivers, and survivors”, said Chaplain Street-Beavers. “The Suicide Loss Vigil helps our Veteran families as we recognize their loss, validate how they feel, be present, supportive, while honoring their loved one for the service they have provided to this country.”
According to the CDC, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and was responsible for over 48,000 deaths in 2021. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors decrease when family and community support are available. Take an opportunity to join us and get support or encourage others in their time of need. People experiencing a crisis contact the National Crisis Line at 988 for support and resources.
About VA Illiana Health Care System
VA Illiana Health Care System provides services at 6 locations serving a 34-county area of central Illinois and west-central Indiana. Locations include the Danville VA Medical Center and 5 community-based outpatient clinics in Bloomington, Decatur, Mattoon, Peoria, and Springfield, Illinois. The VA Illiana Healthcare System is one of the leading health care systems serving Veterans in the VA Great Lakes Network. We’re an innovative care center within the Veterans Integrated Service Network 12 (VISN 12). VISN 12 includes medical centers and clinics in Wisconsin, Illinois, northwestern Indiana, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
