Veterans Denied Access to Crisis Counseling on JBLM

Today PNW Street Medics received a copy of an email to the Archdiocese of Seattle which read...

>>>>> It is with great concern that we learned that JBLM is denying veterans access to suicide prevention resources and crisis counseling on-post. We respect our military and honor our troops for the sacrifices that they make and believe that every veteran in crisis has earned the right to counseling and religious and spiritual guidance.

After reaching out to Chaplains at JBLM we learned that the Chaplains are always willing to provide support and guidance to veterans in need. However, we were told that it is the JBLM Directorate of Emergency Service / DES that is denying veterans access to counseling and support services, by denying these veterans access to post, and that there is little the Chaplains can do to assist veterans in need if the DES keeps these veterans from having access to on-post counseling, spiritual guidance and religious services.

We are asking that the JBLM DES immediately correct their unconscionable policy of denying veterans in crisis access to on-post counseling and support services.

We are also reaching out to the community asking that you contact JBLM and request that they support veterans in crisis by allowing those in need of help access to the on-post services and benefits that these veterans earned through their military service... <<<<<

We are re-posting the email here in support of veterans (and anyone else) who is suffering and in need of help.

On September 9, 2023 the Archdiocese of Seattle will hold a special Mass for Suicide Healing and Remembrance (https://archseattle.org/events/mass-for-suicide-healing-and-remembrance/).

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline...

* Call or text 988

* Chat at 988lifeline.org