A suicide prevention symposium in Minot, North Dakota, brought together veterans, experts, and community members to address a critical issue facing rural military populations. The event focused on military culture, support systems, and suicide prevention strategies. According to data from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), nearly 30 percent of families assisted by the military organization lost their loved one to suicide in 2024.
Army Veteran Davina French, who serves as military liaison for TAPS, emphasized the severity of the problem: “The numbers aren’t going down. They’re shifting, but it’s still inbred. Many think it’s just a military issue, but it’s a veteran issue. It’s a community issue.” French has personally experienced the impact of military suicide, losing soldiers and friends during her nearly three decades of service. She described the lasting effect on survivors: “My first soldier who passed away from suicide will be forever young. That mother will forever be sad. That child will forever be hurt.”
Community Response and Services
Bob Dare, an attendee who began his Army career in 1967, noted progress in addressing stigma around mental health. “I do think that we’re putting more emphasis on it, so we’re having the opportunity to refer people more often and help people more often,” Dare said. Executive Director Max Pontenila stressed that events like this benefit not only rural veterans but civilians facing mental health struggles as well, stating the goal is to “save lives.”
However, French highlighted a persistent challenge: “Mental health services are limited in our region, especially in rural areas.” Mayor Mark Jantzer proclaimed September 30 as Rural Veteran Suicide Prevention Day. This is the second year of the event; organizers added a virtual option this year and plan to host another symposium next year.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.kfyrtv.com/2025/09/29/symposium-aims-address-veteran-mental-health-crisis-rural-north-dakota/