'Their country promised to support them': Protestors gather at Utah Capitol in support of veterans

SALT LAKE CITY – Veterans and their families gathered at Utah's Capitol Friday as part of a nationwide protest against recent cuts to Veteran Affairs hospitals and programs under the Trump administration. The rally was a powerful display of unity and frustration as approximately 200 protestors raised their voices in opposition to cuts they said harm veterans in need of support. Among the crowd was Pattie Breault, who went in honor of her father and uncle – both veterans – urging that those who've served deserve far more than they're getting. "Their country promised to support them, and now they're backing out on that. That's not okay," Breault said. "Our word should mean something, and if we can't keep our promises, then what do we stand for?" [gallery ids="751059,751063,751065,751064,751062,751060,751061"] Andrew Nichols, a former Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, also made his way to the protest to speak up for the VA Salt Lake City. He said the message is simple: Veterans deserve to be treated with respect. "I'm here to remind our leaders in Washington that veterans have served this country for over 200 years," Nichols said. "We just want them to honor the commitment they made to us." The event was a space for all voices to be heard, as protestors passed the microphone around to share stories and demand action. One such speaker cited the VA cuts would directly impact veterans dealing with mental health struggles following their service. The 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report found suicide was the second-leading cause of death in veterans under 45-years-old, a statistic that was met with boos from the crowd. The report also estimated an average of 17.6 veteran suicides per day. "We took an oath to defend The Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic. Who would have ever thought our enemies today would be domestic?" one speaker asked from the south steps. "We find ourselves fighting again to keep our benefits, to keep our healthcare."

Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• TheHuntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

Counties in Utah provide services for mental health and substance use disorders. Centers are run by the thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities all across the state and offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more. These resources and more information can be found here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.

Other community-based resources

• NAMI Utah provides education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers prevention programs, public education, support for loss survivors, and fundraising for research.
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center.
• Utah Pride Center empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
• The Trevor Project: LGBTQ teen resource center.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health
• Latino Behavioral Health Services

Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.

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