BRUNSWICK, ME – The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), both members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee – marking tomorrow, Saturday, June 10th as “Veterans Get Outside Day.” The day encourages veterans, especially those struggling with mental health challenges, to spend time in the great outdoors. Veterans have free lifetime access to National Parks and Maine State Parks.

“From beach walks to fishing trips to simply hearing a refreshing breeze in the forest, America’s extraordinary outdoor spaces can bring moments of calm during the most difficult times,” said Senator King. “I hope that ‘Vets Get Outside Day’ this year will encourage our veterans to find a relaxing outdoor space near them. It’s a simple way to promote the great outdoors and help these brave men and women who may be struggling with mental health conditions.”

“We owe it to the men and women who traveled oceans to protect us to address the veteran suicide crisis,” said Senator Cassidy. “Vets Get Outside Day is a positive step towards ensuring veterans know they have the help they need available to them.”

The resolution calls on veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges to walk, run, hike, bike ride, or simply spend time outside on June 10, 2023 as part of an effort improve mental health. Nearly 460,000 veterans were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries between 2020 and 2022, and there were 6,146 veteran suicide deaths in 2020. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors in nature can have positive impact on an individual’s mental health and lessen feelings of isolation.

Veterans can dial 9-8-8 and then press 1 to be connected with the Veterans Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24-hours a day.

Read the full resolution here.