CLUB FOCUS

Veterans

Ventura Downtown Lions Club shows appreciation to our Veterans and their families highlighting that they are truly this Nation’s heroes and they are not forgotten.

Facts

  • 22 Veterans commit suicide each day from trauma related reasons.
  • In 2017 there were an estimated 1.9 million Veterans in the United States.
  • Veterans make up an estimated 11% of all homeless adults.
  • 50% of homeless Veterans experience mental illness.

We have a plan

We honor our local hero’s by being active in the local Veterans organizations like the Cal-Vet Home of Ventura, supporting the Ventura County Veterans “Stand Down” every year, and providing BBQ’s for special events, for example to celebrate the birthday of a 101 year old Veteran, and the 10 year anniversary of the Veterans Home, and the opening of the new Veterans Hospital in Ventura. We also host an annual Super Bowl party for the Veterans Home of Ventura that includes refreshments and entertainment.

Mental Health

Ventura Downtown Lions Club understands the importance and understands that Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Facts

  • Mental health problems are actually very common.
  • In 2020, about:One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue One in 6 young people experienced a major depressive episodeOne in 20 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressionSuicide is a leading cause of death in the United States.
  • In fact, it was the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 10-24. It accounted for the loss of more than 45,979 American lives in 2020, nearly double the number of lives lost to homicide.

We Have A Plan

Partnering with NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness) which is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the million of Americans affected by mental illness, by working closely with First Responders and the Community Providing Support, Getting Involved, and being an Advocate for Change.