Solving the growing problem of veteran suicides by uniting the local veterans community is the goal of an upcoming symposium and training session being hosted by the Stanislaus Veterans Advisory Commission (VAC) and the VA.

The event is open to veterans, veterans groups and the general public and will be held Friday, Feb. 2 at the Stanislaus Veterans Center, 3500 Coffee Road, Suite 15 in Modesto from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch provided.

Topics of discussion will include training in recognizing and dealing with veterans, or persons, who may be contemplating suicide and the VAC’s plans to coordinate with the National Living Works Program to train and certify veterans and others as suicide prevention counsellors. There will also be a panel discussion and a keynote address by Chaplain George Retana, president of Veterans In Action which has made veterans suicide prevention their main focus.

Those planning to attend are asked to preregister by contacting the Stanislaus Veterans Service Office at (209) 558-7380.