CCHR Florida to Host Purple Heart Day Event Honoring Military Personnel and Veterans

The Florida chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) has announced a special event to honor U.S. military personnel and veterans on Purple Heart Day. The complimentary banquet, scheduled for August 3rd at the Fort Harrison in Clearwater, aims to recognize Purple Heart recipients and their families while addressing critical issues facing veterans, particularly mental health concerns and suicide rates.

The event will feature a formal presentation by the MacDill Air Force Color Guard, showcasing their precision drill skills. Speakers at the banquet will discuss the pressing issue of military suicides and highlight available support networks and alternative solutions for veterans struggling with mental health challenges.

CCHR, an organization dedicated to protecting mental health human rights, has raised concerns about the widespread use of psychotropic drugs among veterans. A Freedom of Information Act request filed by CCHR's international headquarters in 2021 revealed that between 2015 and 2019, the Veterans Health Administration spent over $2.4 billion on psychotropic medications. In 2019 alone, 4.2 million veterans were prescribed these drugs, with 1.75 million receiving antidepressants, commonly used to treat PTSD and depression.

Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida, expressed concern about the reliance on pharmaceutical interventions and electroshock therapy for treating veterans' mental health issues. "We are doing a great disservice to veterans when drugs and electroshock are the recommended treatments," Stein stated. She criticized the concept of "treatment-resistant depression," arguing that it shifts blame to patients rather than acknowledging the limitations of current treatment approaches.

The Purple Heart Day event seeks to foster dialogue about alternative support systems and treatment options for veterans. By bringing together military personnel, veterans, and their families, CCHR Florida aims to create awareness and promote more effective, less invasive approaches to addressing the mental health challenges faced by those who have served in the armed forces.

The Purple Heart, the oldest military award still presented to U.S. service personnel, has a rich history dating back to 1782 when George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit. The modern Purple Heart Medal, first awarded in 1932, recognizes U.S. military personnel wounded or killed in action.

As veteran suicide rates continue to be a matter of national concern, events like this CCHR-hosted banquet play a crucial role in bringing attention to the issue and exploring potential solutions. By questioning the effectiveness of current treatment protocols and advocating for patient rights, CCHR aims to spark a broader conversation about mental health care for veterans.

The event not only serves as a tribute to Purple Heart recipients but also as a platform to address the complex challenges faced by veterans transitioning back to civilian life. By combining recognition of military service with advocacy for improved mental health support, CCHR Florida is taking a holistic approach to addressing the needs of the veteran community.

Interested parties can register for the event through the CCHR Florida website. The reception begins at 5 pm, followed by the banquet at 5:30 pm. This gathering presents an opportunity for community members to show support for veterans and engage in meaningful discussions about mental health care and suicide prevention strategies for those who have served in the military.