The Linn County Suicide Prevention Coalition will host a “Making Connections” event for veterans and their families on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the ImOn Ice Arena in Cedar Rapids. The event will include a resource fair with more than 30 community organizations to help veterans make a connection to a group or resource that will help them persevere in their time of crisis.
“Veterans between the ages of 18 and 34 are the most vulnerable population for veteran suicide,” Linn County Veteran Affairs Director Dustin Peterson said. “Our goal with this event is to reach veterans and their family members so they know they are not alone and we are here to help them. We want to prevent veteran suicide.”
The event is open to all veterans and their families. Free ice skating will be available for children under 18 years of age. Kids will be able to meet and take pictures with the Rough Riders’ mascot Ricochet. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. There is no cost for veterans to attend the event and meet with local community groups.
Event planning partners include Linn County Veteran Affairs, CRUSH, Foundation 2, Healing at English River Outfitters (HERO), and Iowa Works.