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Veteran advocate urges Bethel leaders to promote 988 and SAFE training
Summary
A Marine Corps veteran and suicide‑prevention volunteer urged the board to promote the 988 crisis line and local SAFE training for public‑facing staff, offered materials for distribution, and volunteered to provide community presentations.
A veteran and volunteer for suicide prevention addressed the board during public comment, urging officials and community members to use and promote the 988 crisis line and to make SAFE (suicide‑prevention) training widely available to firefighters, police, and anyone who deals with the public.
The speaker gave her name at the podium and said she has served in the Marine Corps and works with suicide‑prevention activities in the community. She stressed that "22 veterans per day are lost by suicide" and urged people to call 988 for immediate help; she also offered SAFE training as a practical way for first responders and community groups to learn how to recognize and de‑escalate someone in crisis. She left print materials and contact cards with town staff for distribution.
Board members thanked the speaker and noted the local need for outreach; no formal action was taken but staff accepted materials and contact information for follow‑up outreach and possible scheduling of a training session.
