OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Second Lady Karen Pence visits Omaha just days out from the Republican National Convention where President Trump and Vice President Pence will kick off another run at office.
Mrs. Pence, along with Congressman Don Bacon made brief stops at Boys town and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The pair spent time hearing about efforts to combat suicide.
“If there is a silver lining to COVID, maybe it’s an opportunity for us to talk about mental health and start talking about suicide,” Mrs. Pence said. “If you have suicidal thoughts reach out to somebody.”
Boys Town leaders talked about the importance of the organization’s National Hotline, which answers crisis calls from people having suicidal thoughts.
Bacon says these calls have increased during the pandemic.
“In this time of social distancing and being remote from everybody, we are seeing a very big increase in drug abuse, drug overdoses and a big increase in suicide,” Rep. Bacon said.
At UNMC, Mrs. Pence toured the Healing Arts program, and addressed the importance of increased technology in treating veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
“Suicide is preventable,” Mrs. Pence said. “It’s preventable.”
Mrs. Pence and Rep. Bacon did not answer questions following their tour.
