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Cuesta brings awareness to veteran suicide with ’22 Pushup Challenge’ 

veteran suicide

Cuesta College student and veteran Michael Winberry and his service dog, Dixie.

Ahead of Veterans’ Week Nov. 7-10, Cuesta produces educational video

–Cuesta College student, faculty and staff veterans recently participated in the 22 Pushup Challenge—a nationwide effort to honor the men and women who serve our country and raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention through education and empowerment. An estimated 22 veterans are committing suicide daily, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Suicide has caused more American deaths than wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, most often as a result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but also from exposure to dangerous chemicals, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has pointed out.

With the help of Cuesta College veterans, the college produced a video to spread awareness of suicide prevention. The video can be found on the college’s You Tube page here.

“As a college dean and as a veteran, I’ve seen too many people over the years take their own lives,” said Cuesta College Dean of Workforce and Economic Development John Cascamo. “The only way we are going to stop suicide is if we are willing to get involved. Getting involved means asking the question—are you suicidal? If the answer is yes, we have to be there with that individual. We have to make sure they get the help they need. Together, we can save lives.”

Cuesta College serves more than 250 veterans annually and has a dedicated Veterans Resource Center on the San Luis Obispo Campus, where veterans, reservists and military dependents, as well as prospective students with military experience, can learn about available benefits, connect with one another, and become active in other aspects of campus life.

Since 2014, Cuesta College has maintained its designation as a “Military Friendly School” by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds. The Military Friendly Schools designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation.

The San Luis Obispo Campus will host Veterans Week (Nov. 7-10) and offer a variety of events and resources to both Cuesta College veterans and those in the community. For more information about Cuesta College’s services for veterans, call the Veterans Resource Center at (805) 546-3142.

 

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The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.