Pushup challenge at Viera High School gains momentum

MELBOURNE — You've been challenged to help raise awareness about the high number of suicides among veterans.

Brevard Mission 22 Pushup Challenge is at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Viera High School and is a gathering for everyone, even those who cannot do 22 push-ups. The idea is to raise awareness to mental health issues suffered by combat veterans.

Brevard challenged to push up for veterans

After attending an event to draw awareness to suicides, Brevard County Property appraiser Dana Blickley challenged other Brevard officials, and they, in turn, challenged others to participate to help. The community is invited to attend.

"The main thing is awareness," she said.

Veterans advocates, military members, veterans and civilians also can be a part of the challenge to bring attention that could lead to preventing suicides and raise awareness to post traumatic stress and other mental health issues.

It is said that an average of 22 veterans commit suicide each day, though some contend that the number is higher, while others said it is lower. Veteran advocates say, whatever that number, more needs to be done to prevent suicides among veterans.

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Blickley, an advocate for veterans, said she expects at least 100 people, but as many as 300 people could attend the event Friday afternoon.

"I've had resounding support," she said.

Contact Moody at 321-242-3651 or nmoody@floridatoday.com Follow him on Twitter @RNormanMoody