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Here’s how veterans can get mental health help at VA Augusta

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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.  

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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.  

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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. 

‘We know a person is missing at our table:’ Getting through grief during the holidays

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. 

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“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.  

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Augusta, GA

Peach Belt tournament: Augusta misses out for the first time in Metress era

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Peach Belt tournament: Augusta misses out for the first time in Metress era


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 2025-2026 Peach Belt Conference brackets are set, and there is plenty of shakeup this year.

Starting with the women’s bracket, Augusta University secured the #4 overall seed and will face #5 seed Middle Georgia in round one.

USCA’s women’s team did not fair as well, finishing in last place of this season’s standings.

On the men’s side, USCA’s men’s team secured the eighth and final spot in the conference tournament.

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In a shocking turn of events, AU’s men’s team did not qualify for the tournament.

This marks the first time the program has missed the PBC tournament since Dip Metress took over the program in 2004.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta Falls to Georgia Southwestern in Final Game of the Series – Augusta University

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Augusta Falls to Georgia Southwestern in Final Game of the Series – Augusta University


Augusta, Ga. – Augusta managed just five hits and one run and fell to Georgia Southwestern 12-1 Sunday as the Hurricanes win two of the three games of the series. The Jaguars are now 7-2 in Peach Belt Conference play and 11-8 overall. The Canes improve to 7-2 in conference play and 12-7 overall. 

Georgia Southwestern scored runs in all but one inning including four runs in the first two innings and plated five runs in the fifth, highlighted by a grand slam. 

The only Augusta run would come in the fourth inning. Landon Leonard would reach on an error and would come around when Kent Moon reached on a fielder’s choice that would plate Leonard.

Leonard, Moon, Davis Newman, Harris Bachelder and Jakob Cowart would collect the hits for the Jaguars.  

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Augusta will next be in action on Friday when the open up a three game series with Lander at Jaguar Field. First pitch on Friday is set for 6:00 p.m.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags.

 





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Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

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Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

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One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

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Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.



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