Solomon Gilbert, deputy director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, traveled from Olympia to present a certificate of appreciation to Spokane County for its work to raise awareness of the 988 crisis lifeline and suicide-prevention efforts for veterans.

Gilbert told the commissioners that Spokane County is home to a large veteran population, and he cited statewide figures and concerns about veteran suicide methods, noting that 74% of veteran suicide deaths statewide involved firearms. He described the department’s work connecting veterans to mental-health resources, peer-support networks, crisis lines, training, and personalized care plans and credited local partnerships—naming Spokane County and county staff member Kat Nichols—in reaching veterans.

Gilbert thanked Spokane County for purchasing 200 suicide-prevention emblems; proceeds, he said, fund local grant opportunities for nonprofits serving veterans. He encouraged continued outreach and use of resources such as the 988 lifeline.

Commissioner French, identifying himself as a Marine Corps veteran, expressed appreciation for Kat Nichols and county staff, calling their work “the gold standard for veteran services.” The county and state representatives then posed for a photograph with the certificate.

No formal board action, appropriation or policy change related to veterans services was recorded during the meeting; the event was a recognition and presentation.