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Veteran Services Center at Goodwill Spotlights Year-Round Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Support this September

 

FREDERICK, Md. (September 1, 2026) – The Veteran Services Center at Goodwill (VSC) and its partner service providers work year-round to help veterans, service members, first responders, and their families find support, connection, and tools for mental and emotional well-being. During National Suicide Prevention Month in September, the VSC is spotlighting the ongoing work and local partnerships that make it all possible.

In addition to the many no-cost services and programs provided at the VSC, during National Suicide Prevention Month the VSC is highlighting mental health counseling services available through several VSC partners, the VSC’s collaboration with the Frederick County Suicide Prevention Coalition, and its partnership with Mission 22 to promote the Elements program – a free, self-paced course that offers practical tools to help participants manage stress, strengthen resilience, and build discipline. These resources, as well as others provided through dozens of service providers at the VSC, reflect the VSC’s continued commitment to suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and stronger community connections throughout the year.

“Mental health and suicide prevention efforts matter every single day of the year” said Katrina Thurman, Chief Mission and Education Officer for Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley. “Our teams support our nation’s heroes to make sure they are seen, supported, and feel connected to those that care about them. National Suicide Prevention Month gives us an opportunity to bring greater attention to the trusted partners and services available through the Veteran Services Center, while continuing to build the relationships and sense of community that support mental health year-round.”

Numerous service providers at the VSC such as Reforge, Martinsburg Vet Center, Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and Mindset Quality: Mission Redefine, work with Veterans and their families, providing free mental health and wellness resources like counseling, behavioral health, care coordination, peer support, and wellness activities.

Among the many events taking place at the VSC during National Suicide Prevention Month are:

• A Veterans Affairs workshop featuring more than a dozen clinicians from the Baltimore and Martinsburg Regional VA Hospitals, September 1-2.
• On September 11, the VSC will bring people together for a Quilts of Valor ceremony, a Veteran-created flag dedication, and a non-denominational observance led by The Mighty 30 Chaplains for the 25^th anniversary of 9/11.
• The VA Mobile Vet Center will be on site on September 18 to provide confidential, non-medical counseling, and supportive services directly to veterans and their families.
• Serving Together will facilitate its quarterly Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course on Wednesday, September 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. MHFA is an early intervention program that helps participants recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, understand their impact, and provide support.

For additional information about the VSC, its partner service providers, and the resources available, please visit VeteranServicesCenter.org. For anyone in need of immediate help, please call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.