The Fairhope American Legion Post will host its first Veteran Suicide Prevention Fair

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) – The Fairhope American Legion Post supports veterans and their families with a special event focusing on mental health and community resources.

They are hosting their first Veteran Suicide Prevention Resource Fair on South Mobile Street on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is open to everyone.

The fair aims to raise awareness of the struggles many veterans face, particularly with mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Unfortunately, across the country, we lose 22 veterans to suicide every day, and we need to start a conversation with the community and those around us to increase awareness and provide resources for 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 those resources for themselves and their families.”

The event will feature an array of resources and support services, from mental health providers to job placement services, legal aid and even representatives from veteran-owned businesses.

“We have the VA with us,” adds Biniecki. “They participate with local businesses as well as other people in the community and most of them have done something like this for the first time before. “I hope that other resources will come together with other resources so that they can lean on each other so that they can do a much better job of reaching out to the community.”

People who are unable to make it to the fair are asked to call 251-928-9132.