Ride of Our Lives helps break stigma of mental health for veterans

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - The 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report found suicide was the second-leading cause of death among veterans under 45. That report used data from up to 2021.

Saturday, September 14, you can help break the stigma of mental health for veterans.

Horizon Behavioral Health and the local chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association are putting on the third annual “Ride Of Our Lives.”

Everyone is asked to wear green in honor of suicide prevention.

Rex Brust is a combat veteran.

He says it’s up to everyone to help the people they love.

“Although we pride ourselves as an organization, a brotherhood of veterans, and we tried very hard to look after one another. We are still touched by the suicide epidemic. You know, when we lose a brother or sister, it affects us all,” he said.

On Saturday, registration for the ride begins at 9 a.m. at the Harley Davidson of Lynchburg on Timberlake Road.

The 80-mile ride will begin at 10 a.m., taking people through the Hill City, before ending at Horizon Behavioral Health on Langhorne Road.

Once everyone arrives at Horizon’s location, there will be food to enjoy, speakers, and music.

The event is free to attend.

If you want to go but don’t ride a motorcycle, you can wave a green flag along the route.

Ryan Weaks with Horizon Behavioral Health is encouraging everyone to learn the signs of suicide, and reach out to loved ones.

“I think the very first thing they should do is reach out to that person, make sure they’re doing okay, and the key thing is to not wait,” he said.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call 988 or click here for a chat option. Veterans can get to the Veteran Crisis Line by dialing 988 and then press 1.

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