Dropping 22 is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans, first responders, the military community and their families reduce their risk of suicide and improve their mental health so they can overcome trauma, depression, anxiety, and other stressors.

Dropping 22 will have a fundraiser from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at both Great Bend Pizza Hut locations. Make sure to mention Dropping 22 when you dine in or carry out to help raise money for the organization.    

The organization’s name comes from the often-quoted statistic that 22 veterans take their own lives every day. While that statistic varies, the volunteers at Dropping 22 want to help drop that number to as close to zero as possible.

“Our mission is to reduce the mental health service gap for our veterans, the military community, first responders, and their families through services, tools, and resources that address the high suicide rate and service-related stressors that contribute to depression, anxiety, and PTSD,” sponsors said.

Services currently being offered include a free weekly post-traumatic stress growth group, a free monthly meal, workshops and groups to address depression, trauma, anxiety, and insomnia, a monthly Child Night Out for children ages 6-12, and other programs designed to improve mental health. 

The next Military and First Responders Night Out will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 23, at 916 William St. Free child care will be available for children of military and first responders. Snacks and activities/games provided. Participants must register in advance; just send an email to Dropping22ks@gmail.com. This is also the email address for those wanting more information about the group and its services.