South Central PA News

HARRISBURG – In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Month, Senator Doug Mastriano, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, held a Roundtable Discussion on the Prevention of Veterans Suicide at Heroes Ridge at Raven Rock in Adams County on Wednesday, September 4th.

The event was hosted by Operation Second Chance, a non-profit organization founded by Cindy McGrew 20 years ago. The organization assists wounded veterans by providing support where funding or emotional assistance is needed. Operation Second Chance also operates Heroes Ridge at Raven Rock, a retreat offering amenities such as fishing and horseback riding for veterans and their families. Since its founding in 2005, Operation Second Chance has aided over 15,000 individuals.

In 2023, Chairman Mastriano held a hearing in Chambersburg to promote efforts across the Commonwealth to combat veteran suicide. Participants from that hearing, including Mike and Sally Wargo of VALOR Clinic Foundation, joined the recent roundtable. The Wargos shared their personal experience with their son Michael's suicide and emphasized the need for services and support for affected families.

The PA Department of Military & Veterans Affairs highlighted the PA Vet Connect Program, which was recently codified into law through legislation sponsored by Senator Mastriano. Since its inception, PA Vet Connect has facilitated over 20,000 connections to community services for veterans. The PA Department of Human Services provided an update on the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (9-8-8), noting that veterans can access the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing "1." This service is available 24 hours a day.

Mark Bayliss from the PA State Veterans Commission and Dr. Keith Aronson from Penn State Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness discussed data on life stressors affecting veterans such as relationship issues, health problems, substance abuse, and financial difficulties.

Faith-based organizations like Interseeding Foundation and Kay Zern Community & Veterans Outreach provided updates on their efforts to address underlying needs through compassionate support that extends beyond statistics.

Attendees were encouraged to reach out to anyone showing signs of distress and direct them to resources like PA Vet Connect or the 9-8-8 hotline.

CONTACT: Nate Silcox