Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon presented a state resolution to staff at the Utica Center for Development’s Veterans Outreach Center on Sept. 21, recognizing their work with local veterans and families. The presentation came ahead of New York’s Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day on Sept. 22.
The observance is about the people behind a serious public health issue. It also points residents toward support that is available now. Veterans and loved ones in crisis can dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. The service says callers do not need to be enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs benefits or health care.
Recognition for local support
Buttenschon’s office said she presented Assembly Resolution K.1553 to Executive Director Vinny Scalise and staff at the Utica veterans center. The office described their work as helping address the health needs of veterans and their families. The resolution asks Gov. Kathy Hochul to proclaim Sept. 22, 2026, as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day.
“Every veteran we lose to suicide is a call to action for all of us,” Buttenschon said in the Sept. 21 announcement. She said the Utica center helps make sure veterans and families know support is available. That is a statement about the center’s mission, not a claim that any one program can prevent every death.
The observance falls during National Suicide Prevention Month. A recognition day alone cannot replace treatment, housing help, family support or an immediate response when someone is in danger. It can, however, give neighbors a reason to learn where to turn and to check in with people they care about.
How to get help today
The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support around the clock. Dial 988, then press 1. People can also text 838255 or use the service’s online chat. The official site says it serves veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and people who support them.
New York’s Department of Veterans’ Services suicide-prevention page offers additional information. A person worried about a friend or family member may use these resources too. The crisis line says it can listen and connect people to further support. In an immediate medical emergency, call 911.
No one should have to know every program name before reaching out. The first step can be a conversation with the crisis line or another trusted helper. The state’s veterans services office can help people explore support beyond the moment of crisis. Needs vary, and the available path may be different for each veteran.
What the resolution does, and does not do
Assembly Resolution K.1553 is a statement of recognition and remembrance. It is not a new funding law and it does not create a separate emergency hotline. The release says it memorializes the governor to proclaim the Sept. 22 observance. Readers can review the resolution through the New York State Assembly’s legislative site.
Buttenschon’s announcement included a broad claim about national and New York veteran suicide rates. This article does not use those figures because rates and annual averages need the specific year and source method to be reported accurately. The local event and the available crisis contacts stand on their own.
Utica has a veterans outreach center whose staff were recognized for ongoing work. The observance offers a moment to honor people lost to suicide without describing their deaths in harmful detail. More important, it is an invitation to make the help line easy to find and to tell veterans and loved ones that asking for support is possible at any hour.
Families and friends do not need to wait for an annual observance to raise a concern. The crisis service is open every day, including nights and weekends. A conversation today can be a starting point for finding care and staying connected.
