Veterans, non-veterans, families and the public are invited to attend an informative gathering on post-traumatic stress (PTS/PTSD) and veteran suicide prevention at 6pm on Tuesday, July 25 at Patriot K9s (7333 Stewart Ave., Wausau, WI 54401). The event, part of The Highground’s outreach efforts for the PTSD Peer Support Group, will include speakers and a free exchange of information between those who have experienced struggles with PTSD management or veteran suicide issues. 

“This effort is about veterans, but it’s also about veterans’ families and friends,” said The Highground executive director Chris Pettis. “Veterans’ loved ones are the first to be affected by veterans’ needs for healing, and we’ve been working to initiate peer discussions with veterans and those veterans’ family members.” 

Pettis said healing and understanding has grown in the PTSD Peer Support Group program, which meets monthly at The Highground. As a result, group members and organizers decided that outreach is needed to have more veterans and their loved ones experience similar healing and understanding. 

“One of the biggest hurdles to an individual or family managing military or civilian PTSD and fearing the threat of suicide can be the feeling of being alone,” said program coordinator Theresa Hebert. “This presentation will help bring a community together around those who are struggling.” Hebert said this program also is open to non-veterans such as first responders and their families who face issues similar to those felt by veterans and their families. 

Information about this event or the program in general is available by contacting Theresa at museum@thehighground.us or by calling 715-743-4224. RSVP’s for resource materials and refreshments are appreciated but not required.

This presentation is made possible by the support of Patriot K9s, the Charles E. Kubly Foundation and the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT).

The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456.