CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Summit County builds a Witness Tree to raise awareness about mental health issues

Akron Beacon Journal - 11/1/2019

Each day, an estimated 22 American veterans take their own lives.

To raise awareness about this problem, Summit County began building a Witness Tree Friday.

Twenty-two dog tags were placed on the tree, located just outside of the Summit County Courthouse, Friday morning. The ceremony will be repeated at 8 a.m. each day through Veteran's Day on Nov. 11. By then, 242 dog tags will adorn the tree.

John Schluep, the founder of Warriors' Journey Home, will hang the dog tags each day. His nonprofit agency, based in Cuyahoga Falls, aims to provide information and support for veterans, their families and the community to help with the transition from the battleground to home.

Valor Court, a specialty court for veterans who get into criminal trouble, is sponsoring the Witness Tree effort.

The tree is in the park area on the High Street side of the courthouse which is at 209 S. High St. in downtown Akron.

___

(c)2019 the Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio)

Visit the Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio) at www.ohio.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.