​Pasco-Hernando State College To Host 'Suicide and Veterans' Talk

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Pasco-Hernando State College will host a summit on the issue of suicide by veterans Monday, Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the PHSC West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, conference center R151.

The summit coincides with National Suicide Prevention Week. On average at least 22 veterans commit suicide every day.

The summit will bring together experts, veterans and families who have lost loved ones. Members of the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, military veterans, members of the faith community, representatives from the Office of Veterans Affairs and mental health experts will speak.

Opening remarks will be given by Dr. Timothy Beard, PHSC president and a current student and veteran will be on hand to share his powerful story.

This event is part of the college's Linking in Faithand Education (LIFE) series and will begin with a panel discussion and then move into breakout sessions with the guest speakers.

Students, faculty and members of the community are invited.

"This is more than an alarming issue; it's an emergency which requires a sense of urgency," said Beard. "At Pasco-Hernando State College, we are taking steps to begin a conversation with our students and community stakeholders to determine how we can work together to help these men and women who served our country. It is our focus to evaluate and identify needs and resources that will assist not only our students but all residents in Pasco and Hernando counties."