North Texas veterans and their families can connect with mental health professionals, explore support services, and learn about VA disability claims at a free Dallas College summit Friday, September 18.
The Veterans Mental Health Summit runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mountain View Campus, 4849 W. Illinois Ave., with an online attendance option. In-person activities will take place in the E Building’s Performance Hall.
Check-in, breakfast, and the resource fair open at 8 a.m. The college says participants may attend selected sessions if they cannot stay all day.
Dallas College’s Military-Connected Services and Counseling and Psychological Services are organizing the event with the VA North Texas Health Care System and regional organizations serving veterans. Military spouses, family members, transitioning service members, students, employers and health professionals are among those invited.
The published agenda includes sessions on suicide prevention, recovery and navigating a VA disability claim. Afternoon activities include creative writing, photography and a discussion led by chaplains about spiritual narrative. Organizers say the event aims to reduce stigma and strengthen support for people who have served.
Both in-person and virtual attendees must register. Virtual participants will receive the livestream link by email after submitting the form.
The registration form also allows attendees to request accessibility accommodations and identify dietary needs for the provided lunch. Dallas College students seeking transportation from another campus can request it during registration; the form says transportation is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Questions about participation can be directed to VetSummit@DallasCollege.edu.
The summit follows broader efforts to connect North Texans with mental-health resources during September. As The Dallas Express previously reported, local organizations are observing Suicide Prevention Month through educational events and reminders about year-round crisis support.
Veterans looking for ongoing care also have a local contact beyond Friday’s gathering. VA North Texas lists 214-857-4279 as its Mental Health One Number, which connects callers with mental-health specialists.
The system’s behavioral-health services include inpatient and outpatient care, telehealth appointments, psychiatry, psychology, treatment for addictive disorders and assistance for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It also provides transition and care management for returning veterans.
Immediate crisis support is available separately through the Veterans Crisis Line: call 988 and press 1, text 838255 or use the service’s online chat.
The service is free and available around the clock to veterans and their loved ones. Enrollment in VA benefits or VA health care is not required to connect with a responder.
Provided by Dallas Express
