Bay College to host Cards of Hope events to support veterans

Bay College has partnered up with the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center to aid veterans through the “Cards of Hope” program. Staff, faculty, and students at the school are invited to make cards that will be placed in care packages that will be sent to veterans for September’s National Suicide Awareness Month. Members of the surrounding community who are interested in taking part in Cards of Hope are invited to participate as well.

In an article posted on the school’s website, Sharon Anastas, who serves as the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, was quoted about the importance of the event, saying, “In 2021 (the most recent year data is provided), 6,392 Veterans died by suicide. One death is too many. We want to ensure our Veterans that our work is never done and that they are not alone. We use the term ‘Anchors of Hope,’ as hope is essential to life and hope serves as an important role in suicide prevention efforts. We want these cards to be a small beacon of hope that our Veterans are thought of and that their communities support them.”

People who want to make cards can attend a card making event at one of two of the school’s campuses. The first event will take place at the Escanaba Campus on Thursday, September 19 from 12:30pm until 3:00pm, eastern time, in the Bay College Library. The second event will take place at the Iron Mountain Campus on Thursday, September 26 from 12:30pm until 2:30pm, central time, in the Lower Commons.

All are welcome to join either event to provide support and hope for veterans in the community. The school will provide card making supplies and refreshments at both events.

More information about Bay College can be found at the school’s website.