Candlelight vigil held at VA in Poplar Bluff for suicide awareness

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. (KFVS) - Prayers, music and words of wisdom were shared during a candlelight vigil at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on Thursday, Sept. 26.

The event was held to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

September is Suicide Prevention month.

Veteran James Kneiss, a suicide attempt survivor, shared his crisis story during the candle light vigil.

Kneiss said that he had lost hope and tried to take his life in 2002 by overdose. He said “if it just helps one person, I will tell my story a million times.”

A second veteran also shared their personal story after surviving a suicide attempt.

The new director of the VA Medical Center says suicide prevention is their top priority.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK. The free resource can help anyone who struggles with suicidal thoughts or knows someone that does.

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