FINDLAY, Ohio (WLIO) - With September marking Suicide Prevention Month, one Ohio organization is raising awareness for a particularly vulnerable group: veterans.
At 7 a.m., a flag-draped casket was placed in front of the Hancock County Courthouse, where volunteers took turns standing guard in 22-minute intervals—a symbolic tribute to the estimated 22 veterans who die by suicide each day. This year’s Silent Watch was held in memory of U.S. Marine Gaven Smith and hosted by Allen-Kramp Wealth Management.
“Titus Allen and Rodney Kramp of AK Wealth Management worked directly with Gaven Smith when they were at Fifth Third here in Findlay, and unfortunately, Gaven died by suicide in November of 2021,” said Leah Cook, chief operating officer at Allen-Kramp Wealth Management. “They wanted to do something to honor and remember him, and this is our fourth year having Silent Watch here in Hancock County."
In addition to raising awareness, Silent Watch helps fund access to a PTSD treatment known as SGB—short for stellate ganglion block—an injection to a nerve cluster in the neck that aims to reset the body’s fight-or-flight response. For veterans, the treatment is offered free of charge.
“Until I had that treatment, I was tired of taking pills. I was tired of talking to psychiatrists. I was pretty much on the verge of becoming a statistic myself,” said Tim Chandler, founder of Silent Watch. “Since I’ve gotten the treatment, my life’s gotten a lot better. My wife—if she was here—she’d tell you I’m a whole better me.”
To support veterans receiving SGB treatment, donations can be made at silentwatch.org.
