Las Vegas Veterans Group Utilizes Monthly Hikes to Address Mental Health Crisis
A group of military veterans in the Las Vegas Valley has initiated a monthly hiking program aimed at supporting mental health. Organized by Navy veteran Nathan French, the group convenes on the first Saturday of each month, inviting veterans from across the valley to participate. This initiative directly addresses the critical issue of veteran mental health, particularly given that the suicide rate among veterans is more than double the national average, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs. French started walking for his physical health after a heart attack, but discovered significant mental health benefits. The group, which began a few months ago, has approximately 90 followers on its Facebook page and typically sees around eight to nine veterans attending each hike, covering three and a half to four miles.
