CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – A U.S. military veteran and his best friend set off Monday morning on the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau, beginning a journey to raise awareness for men’s mental health.
Their goal is to travel about 50 miles a day until they reach Memphis. Ian Saltmarsh, the veteran behind the mission, shared the personal story that inspired this adventure.
“About 12 years ago, I was struggling with severe depression and alcoholism. Nine years ago, I nearly lost my life to pancreatitis caused by drinking. As a bartender for 30 years, I wanted to be known for something more,” Saltmarsh said.
He urges anyone facing mental health challenges to reach out for help, whether to a friend or by calling the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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