MSU Denver graduate and faculty member in Human Services and Counseling, Leah Jackson poses for a photo in MSU Denver's Veteran and Military Student Services office. Photo by Alyson McClaran
About 17 military veterans die by suicide each day on average, according to a report from the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, that number may be as high as 44 when drug overdoses are taken into consideration.
Fortunately, behavioral-health specialists such as MSU Denver alumna and faculty member Leah Jackson have a plan. As a therapist with UC Health’s Next Chapter program, Jackson connects fellow veterans and their families to behavioral-health services at no out-of-pocket expense. Funded by SB21-129, the Next Chapter program has served more than 1,500 participants, resulting in a 5% decrease in veteran suicide in El Paso County.
Jackson draws on her own experience as a truck driver in the Army to build upon a shared camaraderie of service, emphasizing connection in the often-difficult transition from military to civilian life.
“We each have our own journeys — it’s my story but also my battle buddies,’” Jackson said. “The transition from military to civilian life is beyond challenging, so having someone every step of the way is imperative.”
