Fairhope American Legion post will host its first suicide prevention fair for veterans

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) – The American Legion Post in Fairhope is standing up for veterans and their families with a special event focused on mental health and community resources.

They will host their first Veterans Suicide Prevention Resource Fair on South Mobile Street on Saturday from 10am to 3pm. It is open to everyone.

The purpose of the fair is to raise awareness of the issues many veterans face, especially surrounding mental health issues such as PTSD.

“Sadly, we are losing 22 veterans a day to suicide nationwide, and we need to start a conversation with the community and those around us to raise awareness and bring resources to veterans,” said Carla Biniecki. “Most veterans don’t know what’s in their backyard and we want to show them what’s in their backyard so they can have these resources for themselves and their families.”

The event will feature a range of resources and support services, from mental health providers to career placement services, legal assistance and even representatives from veteran-owned businesses.

“We have the VA with us,” Biniecki added. “They’re participating, along with local businesses and other people in the community, and this is the first time most of them have ever done something like this and I hope that other resources meet other resources so they can lean on each other, so they can do a much better job of reaching out to the community.”

Anyone unable to attend the fair can contact the post office at 251-928-9132.