Skip to Content

Our Veterans Matter – Suicide Prevention Awareness & Resource Fair

Our Veterans Matter, front and center as Veterans entered the stadium for the event.
Our Veterans Matter, front and center as Veterans entered the stadium for the event.

By William-Joseph Mojica, Office of Communication and Outreach, Chief

Jacksonville, Fla. – The North Florida/South Florida Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) hosted an Our Veterans Matter Resource Fair in observance of September being Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena, September 11, 2025.

“September is Suicide Prevention Month and every year we like to host an event that brings Veterans together for not only mental health and suicide prevention, but for their whole health,” said Katherine Sperry, Suicide Prevention Program Supervisor. 

At the resource fair, more than 100 community resources along with VA mental health staff, community providers and peer support specialists were available for Veterans to engage with.

“We really appreciate all of our community partners with us and we appreciate all of the resources that are here,” said Wende Dottor, NF/SGVHS Executive Director. 

This event at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena marked the second year in a row where community members came together to show that Our Veterans Matter.

“Jacksonville is a very special place, and we have so much support for our Veterans and so many different agencies that want to help,” said Sperry. “Veterans that are connected to the VA have a host of resources available to them to help prevent death by suicide.”

The guest speakers for the event were comedians from 1 Degree of Separation who through a blend of humor and heartfelt personal stories showcased what an open and supportive conversation truly looks like at any given moment.

“A moment does matter, our Veterans matter. You never know what that moment or interaction might do to make a difference,” said Dottor.

The event highlighted that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility and by working together, we can make a life-saving different for Veterans.

“I said I needed help, and I got help and today the help has given me so much clarity and peace of mind,” said Samuel Hall, U.S. Air Force Veteran. “It’s so beautiful. Life is worth living and for a long time, I didn’t believe that but today, I know that, I believe it, and I want to help the next Veteran to know that too.”

For more information on NF/SGVHS, please visit https://www.va.gov/north-florida-health-care/.