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September is Suicide Prevention Month. One of the many ways VA Puget Sound Health Care System is raising awareness is the opening its Veterans Art Gallery. The suicide rate among Veterans in

2019 was 52 percent higher than non-Veteran adults in the U.S., according to the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. Twenty-two pieces of artwork will be on display,

representing the widely cited statistic of 22 veteran suicides a day that prompt a national movement to save the lives our nation’s heroes. While the journey to end Veteran suicide

continues, there is hope. In 2020, the average was 16.8 per day. There were 343 fewer Veteran suicides than in 2019, and the number of Veteran suicides was lower than each prior year since

2006. The featured guest speaker at the VA Puget Sound Veterans Art Gallery opening is Army Veteran Jim Anderson of Steilacoom, Washington (pictured). Andersen is a retired Sgt. Major who

served 24-years within the U.S. Army’s elite 75th Ranger Regiment, deploying to Operation Enduring Freedom (eight times) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (four times). The therapeutic value of

creating something through woodworking, glassblowing, and other artistic mediums has helped Anderson to overcome some of the mental and physical challenges he faces daily as a disabled

veteran.  His art has won numerous national, state, and local awards. “As a Veteran with PSTD, we often struggle to function and have normal lives because of both mental and physical pain,”

Anderson shares. “Woodworking has been my outlet for healing. I challenge other Veterans to find healing through art.” WHO:  Speakers: * Award-winning Veteran Jim Anderson of Steilacoom

Washington (pictured). Andersen is a retired Army Sgt. Major who served 24-years within the U.S. Army’s elite 75th Ranger Regiment, deploying to Operation Enduring Freedom (eight times) and

Operation Iraqi Freedom (four times). * Dr. Thomas Bundt, VA Puget Sound Health Care System Executive Director Several of the Veterans with work in the gallery will be available during the

open house to discuss their inspirations behind their featured artwork. WHAT:   VA Puget Sound Health Care System Veterans Art Gallery Grand Opening and Open House WHEN:  Wednesday,

September 27, 10 a.m. event, open house follows until 4 p.m. WHERE: VA Puget Sound’s Seattle Campus, Building 101, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle   The public welcome to attend. Media

interested in covering the event should contact Tami Begasse at 425.417.6929 or [email protected].