Colorado is home to over 400,000 of our nation’s veterans – men and women who have fought to protect our freedom in conflicts around the world. These men and women are often some of the most respected individuals in our communities, which makes it easy to overlook that they may be struggling to transition back into civilian life at the end of their service.

A 2012 study from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) found that 22 veterans tragically end their lives by suicide each day. This is a shocking and heartbreaking statistic, and it is one that greatly impacts the Third Congressional District, because a large number of our nation’s veterans make this beautiful district home when their service is complete.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and a time when everyone can learn more about helping to prevent veteran suicide. In our communities, we can all work to make sure that no veteran ever feels like suicide is their only option.

In 2011, Clay Hunt, a decorated Marine veteran who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan, took his own life. Clay was 28, and he had struggled for four years with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after returning home from his service. This past December, the Clay Hunt SAV Act (H.R. 203) was signed into law in memory of Clay and to make sure our veterans have access to the best mental health care services possible. The bill created incentives for graduating psychiatrists to serve in the VA and a pilot program to assist veterans in their transition from active duty.

In conversations with veterans groups across the Third Congressional District, and especially in the San Luis Valley, I have learned about some of the unique challenges that women veterans in our communities face. Recognizing that mental health programs must be tailored to meet the needs of different groups, in the House we passed the Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act (H.R. 2915), which directs the VA to examine its current mental health care programming and identify the programs that are most effective and have the highest satisfaction rates among women.

In Congress, I’m working to advance policies that will lead to systematic changes that are needed to ensure our veterans receive effective mental health care services. My team in Colorado is always available to help veterans who need assistance with the VA, from arranging a medical appointment to checking on the status of a benefit claim. We can be reached in Grand Junction at 970-241-2499 and Pueblo at 719-542-1073.

The VA also has resources that may be helpful if you or a loved one is suffering from depression or PTSD. The VA’s Veterans Crisis Line can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, or veterans can chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat and by text at 838255.

I am honored to represent a district that works so hard to make sure our veterans are taken care of when they return home, and I’m committed to advancing federal policies that will ensure we honor and serve the men and women who have so honorably served our country. The next time you run into a veteran in the community, take a minute to let them know you appreciate their service. You never know how big of a difference a small “thank you” could make.