Hospital: YOU Can Be the Person to Make the Difference!

Grace Matz
2015-2016 National Hospital Ambassador

Veteran & Military Suicide Awareness

For those of you who attended Mid-Year Conference in Punta Cana, you heard me tell everyone how the information for Veteran & Military Suicide Awareness enabled me to “practice what I preach.”

If you think you’ll never use the information, think again. I never really thought I’d have to personally deal with the issue of suicide, but you never know when someone will come into your life that needs your help. I was so grateful that I knew of resources that could help the person in need.

I strongly urge everyone to carry the Veterans Crisis Line card with you. It’s the size of a credit card and will fit easily in a wallet, purse or pocket. They are available for free through the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at all VA Medical Facilities. You’ll be prepared and have it available if your path does cross with someone who needs it.

Additional resources, including fliers, fact sheets, gun safety information and social media content can be found at spreadtheword.veteranscrisisline.net.

Remember, you never know when YOU can be the one person to make the difference!

March Holidays

This month we have St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. Have you made plans to share one or both of these holidays at a hospital or nursing home? Let your imagination run wild.

• Visit a nursing home or hospital and give out “pots of gold”. You can get a small favor bag and fill it with gold foil-wrapped candy. 
• Ask your Youth Activities Chairman to contact a classroom or youth group to make shamrocks and write little notes on them to give out. 
• Have plenty of plastic Easter eggs filled with treats in your basket as you will definitely bring lots of smiles.

Visit the National Organization’s Pinterest Page “All About Spring & Easter” for more great ideas including games, decorating ideas and tray favors.