Mountainside Treatment Center, a Canaan treatment organization for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, is calling attention to veterans who are not connected to traditional support systems this Veterans Day.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 2026 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report found that 62% of veterans who died by suicide in 2024 had not received VA healthcare in the year they died or the preceding year. The finding highlights the importance of reaching veterans beyond VA settings, including through civilian healthcare providers, families and local communities.

Keith Appleton, a military veteran and Licensed Master Social Worker who leads veteran programming at Mountainside, said: “Veterans Day is a time to honor service, but it should also be a time to ask whether we’re doing enough for veterans after they return home. Taking off the uniform doesn’t mean the transition is over. For many veterans, finding community, rebuilding a sense of purpose, and learning to ask for help can be ongoing challenges.”

Appleton served for a decade as a noncommissioned officer before entering behavioral healthcare and says greater awareness of military culture among civilian healthcare providers is essential. Veterans living in rural communities may face additional challenges, including long distances to specialized care and limited transportation options.

“We need to recognize that not every veteran will seek help through the VA, and that doesn’t mean they don’t need or deserve support,” Appleton added, “Families, healthcare providers, and communities all have a role to play in recognizing when someone is struggling and helping them find a path forward.”

Mountainside offers a free weekly Veterans Recovery Support Group led by Appleton. The group provides a supportive space for veterans to connect with others who understand the unique experiences of military service, share challenges related to recovery and civilian life, and build a sense of community.