Chillicothe VA Medical Center hosts 3rd annual SpringFest
By David Graves
Chillicothe VA Medical Center
The Chillicothe VA Medical Center hosted the 3rd annual Springfest, to spread awareness for mental health and suicide prevention in our veteran community, on Sunday, May 4.
Over 600 guests were in attendance for the event, which included a classic car show with over forty entries, a 5k run, live music from local bands, free food, family activities, and over 20 information vendors from the community.
The rainy weather broke just long enough for us to have our most successful and most attended Springfest event to date.
“On behalf of the entire team at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for attending our 3rd annual Springfest, raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Your presence demonstrates a powerful commitment to supporting our Veterans and raising awareness about these critical issues,” said Ken Mortimer, Executive Medical Center Director of the Chillicothe VA.
“To our veterans, thank you for your service and for having the courage to seek help and engage in these important conversations. Your strength and resilience inspire us every day. To our guests, thank you for your time, for caring, and for being allies in our mission to provide the best care and support to our veterans. Your involvement is vital in fostering a community of understanding and healing. Together, we are making a difference.”
Veteran suicide is a profoundly serious issue that affects our entire community. Studies have shown that Veterans are at a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to their civilian counterparts. According to the latest data, Veterans account for approximately 14% of all adult suicide deaths in the United States, despite constituting only about 7% of the adult population. The risk is notably higher among younger vets, as well as those who have recently transitioned out of military service. Additionally, veterans who have experienced combat or suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more vulnerable. Various factors, including difficulties in reintegration, physical and mental health challenges, and limited access to quality mental health care, contribute to this elevated risk.
“It is crucial to recognize the complexity of these issues and to enhance efforts in providing comprehensive and accessible mental health support and suicide prevention resources for Veterans. Efforts to reduce stigma around mental health, improve access to care, and build supportive communities are key strategies in addressing this urgent challenge,” said Jason Mehringer-Smith, suicide prevention coordinator. “At the Department of Veteran Affairs, we are deeply committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to support our veterans. Our extensive range of services includes individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, medication management, and crisis intervention. We also offer specialized programs for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance use disorders. Our dedicated mental health professionals work collaboratively to create personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each Veteran. Beyond clinical care, we provide holistic support through wellness programs, peer support, and access to community resources.
"Our goal is to ensure that every veteran receives the highest quality of care and the support they need to lead fulfilling, healthy lives. We are here for you, and we are honored to serve those who have served our nation.”
We would also like to thank all our community partners who had a hand in making this event a success. We cannot do what we do without you. See you in 2026 for our 4th annual Springfest.