Augusta, GA
Here’s how veterans can get mental health help at VA Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – While the holidays can be an exciting time for people, some may experience seasonal depression.
The VA Augusta says the need for mental health resources is even more critical for those in the veteran community.
So, how can our veterans get help in Augusta?
The VA says the first step is to seek help — reaching out through the veterans’ crisis hotline or seeking help in person at one of the two VA medical centers in Augusta.
The VA says addressing mental health is more important than ever with rising suicide rates among the veteran community.
From the frontlines to the home front, the big question for many veterans coming home is what’s next.
VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator Alex Wright says he knows from experience the resources veterans need when they come off the battlefield.
“I’m a veteran myself. Deployed twice, so I know what it feels like to be a veteran and have certain needs. I get an instant piece of self-fulfillment by helping someone else in need,” said Wright.
The VA says the need is growing for mental health assistance as it’s tracking an increase in veteran suicides.
More than 6,000 veterans committed suicide in 2022.
Wright says several reasons are responsible for the high number.
“They come from a transition period. Veterans are coming directly from the military into civilian life, and also many veterans that come back play a part,” said Wright.
It’s a battle they’re trying to tackle one resource at a time.
“We do a lot of clinical coordination working with other mental health providers, making sure that patients come to their appointments and have somewhere to reach out to,” said Wright.
Wright says you’re not alone, but it starts with reaching out.
“It starts with getting care for yourself and also recognizing that we all can benefit from some care and some form of facet,” he said.
The VA says according to recent data, about 17 veterans commit suicide each day.
Coordinators with the VA are urging veterans to seek out the resources provided locally.
The VA helps with more than just mental health. They also help with resources like housing through their HUD/VASH Program or food assistance.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The second annual Juneteenth trail ride took place on Old Waynesboro Road in Augusta on Saturday.
The event featured trail rides with horses and ATVs, a mechanical bull contest and music.
People shopped at vendors, and there was entertainment for kids, including a petting zoo, inflatables and games.
“It’s really a privilege just to be able to have the opportunity to share my space, to share my area, and to share for an event with so much value, to give back to my community and a place to celebrate,” said Davon Wallace, chief of operations at Crimson Hills.
Wallace said they will be hosting more events, with a haunted trail coming in October.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made multiple arrests in a deadly shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured early Saturday morning.
According to deputies, the incident happened June 20, at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of Warren Road, where authorities responded to reports of shots fired involving two gunshot victims.
When deputies arrived, they located two 18-year-old men from Augusta.
Officials identified the victims as Eric Markquis Bartley Miller and Joseph Lamar Thomas.
Investigators say Miller sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas was also found with at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.
As of Saturday afternoon, three teenage suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
18-year-old Dmihjay Collins, 17-year-old Tayshaun Thomas, and 17-year-old Joseph Thomas have all been arrested and charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Machine Guns. They are all currently being held at the Webster Detention Center.
A fourth teenager, 17-year-old Reante Byrd was also arrested, but investigators have not linked him to the murder case. Byrd has been charged with Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under the Age of 18. He is also being held in the Webster Detention Center.
No further details in the investigation have been released.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.
12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.
Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.
“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.
The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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