NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - The Veterans Association of Central Western Massachusetts is hosting its Suicide Prevention and Veteran Mental Health Summit on Thursday. Overnight paving on Damon Road in Northampton rescheduled The Veterans Association partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, bringing together experts, first responders, and community leaders to discuss and explore strategies to better support veterans in crisis. Attendees participate in breakout sessions covering topics such as veteran mental health, suicide prevention, veteran housing, and legal support. The Summit aimed to emphasize the importance of collaboration between first responders and veteran care specialists to address the complex challenges veterans face. Keynote speaker and Program Manager for Outpatient Mental Health Services Jeffrey McCarthy tells 22News what these trainings accomplish. "Our goal here is sorta to help them better understand military culture, have a better idea of how they might respond if someone has that history and is in a crisis, and give them some tips on what they might do, and then supply them with resources," said McCarthy. By providing essential training and resources, this summit equipped first responders with the necessary knowledge and tools to aid veterans in their communities. The summit runs through 3:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Hotel Northampton. Local News Headlines Suicide Prevention and Veteran Mental Health Summit being held in Northampton Looking to go solar? Be wary of fraudulent offers Winning ‘Lucky for Life’ lottery ticket sold in West Springfield Thunderbirds, MGM Springfield agree to extend partnership WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.