Glen Cove Honored For Leadership In Veteran Mental Health Awareness

GLEN COVE, NY — The City of Glen Cove has been recognized as the first in the nation to recognize the veteran suicide crisis, officials said.

The City is the first in the country to formally acknowledge the crisis as a designated Suicide Awareness & Remembrance City. At an award ceremony on Thursday, Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck is set to receive the Mental Health Advocate Award from the Long Island Marine Corps League (LI-MCL), in partnership with the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) and the Suicide Awareness & Remembrance (SAR) initiative.

Panzenbeck said this recognition of leadership in veteran mental health is a reflection of the entire Glen Cove community.

"Supporting our veterans does not end when their service does," she said. "It is a lifelong responsibility, and one we are proud to carry forward in Glen Cove."

The City has initiatives aligned with the Marine Corps League’s Mental Health Advocate City program, and it promotes education, awareness, and access to resources for veterans.

Some programs include Talk Saves Lives, which is an evidence-based, community-driven suicide prevention initiative that teaches residents how to recognize warning signs and help those in need.

To be recognized as a Mental Health Advocate City, Glen Cove had to meet each requirement, officials said:

• Designation as a Purple Heart City.
• Demonstrated informed awareness of the mental health challenges facing returning service personnel.
• Ongoing delivery of mental health services within the city’s jurisdiction
• A certified 'Talk Saves Lives' Program Representative active in the community.
• Commitment to recognizing Mental Health Awareness and Remembrance Days throughout the year.

The award ceremony will be on Thursday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. at Glen Cove City Hall. Local officials, veteran organizations, and community leaders will be in attendance.