Join us for the 5k Ruck for Veterans & First Responders on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Veterans Park in Delaware, OH. Registration starts at 8:00 a.m., and the event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Don't miss this chance to support our veterans and first responders!

Participants are encouraged to complete the route while carrying a ruck (backpack) or wearing a weighted vest, symbolizing the additional weight veterans and first responders carry while quietly navigating mental health struggles.

Suicide among Veterans is at a crisis level. While we’ve made strides in recognizing the signs and providing help, there’s an urgent need to integrate suicide prevention practices within post-service culture, connect those in need to life-saving resources, and, most importantly, improve access to mental health care. Ohio’s sixth-largest Veteran population at 689,000 is a stark reminder of this pressing need. Together, we share a concern for these issues, and by coming together, we can create a supportive community for those in need.

Depression and PTSD are not rare occurrences among first responders; they are alarmingly common. Police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. Thirty-five percent of police officers experience PTSD, and 18-24% of 911 operators and dispatchers also battle with this condition. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent the daily struggles of our brave first responders.