New billboard up along I-95 in Jacksonville bringing more attention to veteran suicide

Jacksonville FL — It’s a visual smack in the face on your drive through Jacksonville’s southside. A new sign was revealed Wednesday on I-95 and Butler Boulevard that’s designed to bring more awareness to veteran suicides. K9s for Warriors CEO Rory Diamond says the sign will show the number of veteran suicides so far in 2019 and then will be updated every week.

“Much like the national debt clock that we saw years and years ago where people started to realize that this is a problem that, ya know, this couldn’t just be slept on, couldn’t be just ignored.” Diamond says.

He says PTSD causes 20 suicides a day in the U.S. When the sign was first unveiled the number of suicides so far this year was 3000.

Afghanistan and Iraq war veteran Greg Wells says he hopes this reminder for drivers will help to ultimately bring positive change for veterans and the issues they face everyday.

“I find it a travesty that more people know whats going on in Hollywood than they know what that number actually means.” Wells says.

He says he wants to see changes made at the V.A.

“Where I’m treated I’m ok, but the bulk of the people that I talk to, it’s not ok. Wells says.

He says he’s heard from others that they’ve had to wait 9 to 10 months for an appointment and been told to just live with things the way they are among other problems.

Wells says for veterans who need help, don’t be afraid.

“Never be afraid to ask for help, never.” Wells says.

According to the most recent data from the Department of Veterans Affairs Florida had a significantly higher veteran suicide rate than the national rate in 2016.

If you need help you can always call the National Suicide Prevention lifeline's Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-272-8255 or you can send a text 838255.