Katv · kylon williams | isley gooden | cayla christian · September 8, 2026
Arkansas leaders rally at Capitol to boost suicide prevention for veterans, families
# Arkansas leaders rally at Capitol to boost suicide prevention for veterans, families
by Kylon Williams | Isley Gooden | Cayla Christian
Tue, September 8, 2026 at 6:28 PM
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Seventeen veterans die by suicide every day, but state leaders and partner organizations say there’s real hope, and a plan, to help service members, veterans and their families across Arkansas. (PHOTO: KATV)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Seventeen veterans die by suicide every day, but state leaders and partner organizations say there’s real hope, and a plan, to help service members, veterans and their families across Arkansas.
Representatives from several agencies and groups gathered at the state Capitol to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and to spotlight the 988 crisis line during an event tied to Suicide Awareness Month, which is observed nationally throughout September.
Bridget Atkins, of the Office of Substance Abuse, Gina Chandler with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Jody Bergstrom, CEO of Camp Alliance, and Erica Ingram Integrated Primary Prevention Officer for JFHQ Arkansas all stopped by to talk about 988 Day. Two additional partners were also credited as part of the effort: Jacob Smith with the Arkansas Health Department and Laura Watlington, who also works at the VA.
The gathering was held in celebration of 988 Day, focused on raising awareness of 988, the national crisis line, and the veterans option. Ingram emphasized that dialing 988 and then pressing 1 connects callers to support for veterans. She said the system can also help connect someone to resources even if the veteran in crisis is in another state, by directing them to a nearby facility.
Chandler called the Capitol event “an amazing opportunity,” noting they received a proclamation signed by the governor recognizing 988. The goal, she said, is to make 988 as familiar and reflexive as 911, so veterans, families and anyone else know to dial 988 when someone is in crisis, shows warning signs or needs help.
The work will continue beyond the Capitol event through what Bergstrom described as an annual effort called the Governor’s Challenge. The leadership team behind it is building a blueprint intended to help communities across Arkansas, including all 75 counties, host their own 988 events and strengthen local prevention and support networks.
Chandler said the issue is personal and widespread, noting that “everybody in the state knows somebody” who has worn the uniform, and that suicide “affects everyone.” She also shared that someone they knew died by suicide last year, and stressed the importance of getting veterans help early and reinforcing that seeking help is not weakness.
Organizations that want to get involved can find information online, where there are options to ask questions and learn how to participate, including hosting a 988 event next year.