By Nikki Lee
It’s hard to believe it is Fall 2021. That time of year where we all look forward to Tucson’s sunny days and cool crisp nights, we celebrate everything pumpkin spice, and reflect on the things we are most thankful for. I am thankful for our Tucson community. Over the last month, I have seen the community coming together to clean-up our beautiful Sonoran Desert, reach out to find ways we can help Afghan refugees coming to Arizona, and lift our fellow military service members, veterans and first responders up. I am proud to be part of the Tucson community and hope the information and resources below are valuable.
Through Governor Ducey’s direction, Arizona will take in the largest number of Afghan refugees in the United States. I have partnered with our US Senators, Congressional leaders, Mayor Romero, Council Member Steve Kozachik, Davis-Monthan, and various non-profit agencies to ensure Tucson is prepared to welcome the refugees who are fleeing as the Taliban has taken over control. Many of these individuals stood alongside our US troops and allied forces. If you would like to help donate culturally appropriate clothing, non-perishable foods, diapers, or toys please contact my team in the Ward 4 Council office.
The recent extraction of US forces and civilians in Afghanistan has brought memories and emotions to the surface for many who served. As a veteran and a person who spent a year in Afghanistan, I knew how important it was to bring our City of Tucson employees who are veterans, reservists, National Guard and military families together in a safe space and talk about what was on our minds, share stories, and listen. It was important to make sure my colleagues know we are in this together and we have the help of our friends at the Vet Center, Southern Arizona VA, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and retired Command Chief Master Sergeant James Lyda. Chief Lyda’s message really resonated with me and I wanted to make sure more of our Tucson veteran community had the opportunity to hear him speak, so we created the following video, https://bit.ly/39uY9xu.
If you or someone you care about needs someone to talk to, there are many resources available:
Veterans Crisis Line - If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
Vet Centers - Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387
BeConnected Arizona - Connecting Arizona service members, veterans, families, & helpers to information, support and resources. Call 1-866-429-8387 https://beconnectedaz.org/
MakeTheConnection.net - information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.
RallyPoint - Talk to other Veterans online.
Download VA’s self-help apps - Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
VA Women Veterans Call Center - Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 6:30PM ET)
VA Caregiver Support Line - Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 5PM ET)
George W. Bush Institute - Need help or want to talk? Call:1-630-522-4904 or email: checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org
Last month, we partnered with the City of Tucson’s Department of Transportation and Mobility for our Ward 4 Town Hall. In case you missed it, you can watch the recording online. You can find recordings of all Ward 4 Town Halls on YouTube. Search “A to Z with Nikki Lee” to find my channel. A reminder that our next town hall will take place on Thursday, October 28 at 5:30 PM and will focus on Dietz Neighborhood Association. Register at bit.ly/W4TownHall.
Reach out to my office at any time at ward4@tucsonaz.gov. Enjoy your week. I’ll be back next month with another Ward 4 Update.
