What Iran means for San Diego military families; veteran mental health

As fighting in Iran and beyond continues into its fifth day, many military families in San Diego are grappling with new stress and uncertainty. On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear more about the impacts on local military families.

Then, the Department of Veterans Affairs released new data last month on veteran suicides. Though the report did see a minor decline in deaths by suicide between 2022 and 2023, the numbers remain high.

Over 17 veteran suicide deaths were reported on average each day in 2023.

We take a look into how one local military clinic approaches providing mental health care for veterans, military members and their families.

Guests:

• Maggie Meza, executive director, the San Diego Chapter of Blue Star Families
• Shuna Ball, regional clinic director, The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics at VVSD

Resources:

• Blue Star Families Food Insecurity Resources
• Blue Star Families Deployment Resources
• Veterans Crisis Line
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline