LUBBOCK, Texas — September is known as Suicide Prevention Awareness month, dedicating 30 days to honor and remember those lost to suicide, and Lubbock and Amarillo Veteran Affairs Clinic staff are working together to put on their second annual candlelight vigil.

“One of the pillars of suicide prevention is to bring awareness to the community and our gatekeepers. So, we thought what a wonderful way to do that, and to honor our loved ones,” said Andrea Carillo, the Suicide Prevention Coordination for Lubbock’s VA Clinic.


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Carillo has been on the team for seven years and has experienced the loss of a loved one due to suicide, so this event is important to her because she does not want anyone to go through that pain. The loss was hard on Carillo, but she said that leaning on people, her support system and knowing where her resources were all helped Carillo.

“That’s why this event is so important, so we can let others know that they are not alone,” she said. If you are struggling or having a mental health crisis, they take statements from people very seriously.

“If they’re making passive statements about suicide, not wanting to be alive, tired or saying that they have a plan to end their life. We want to make sure that we take everything like that seriously,” said Carillo.


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This event is dedicated toward veterans, but it is a free community event, so anyone can attend.

“Anybody could be struggling with thoughts of suicide. You never know if it’s your neighbor, your best friend, a coworker. So it’s really important that we know help is available and how to get help, especially if you’re a veteran, that you know the VA is here,” said Carillo.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, veterans can call 9-8-8 and press 1 to be connected with someone at the Veterans Crisis Line. It is open 24/7, all days throughout the year.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT BELOW:

When: September 12, 2026

Location: Lubbock VA Clinic (3501 4th Street), right across from Texas Tech Health Science Center

Where: In the Clinic’s front parking lot

Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The Candlelight Vigil will start at 7 p.m.

What to expect: Singing of the National Anthem, activities and different mental health resources, a car show featuring older and newer ones, guest speakers from administration, free food from Caprock Tech Security, and more.