CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Second Lady Karen Pence is making her way to North Carolina Tuesday.  

She's visiting Charlotte and plans to be with Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz during her visit. McCance-Katz is the assistant secretary for mental health and substance use.

The second lady is also participating in a veteran suicide prevention roundtable discussion with U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop and representatives who are part of groups behind this cause.

She also met with military spouses and business owners to talk about how the small business administration helped them start their business.

Mrs. Pence says now more than ever, people need to start the conversation around mental health so we can help those most in need get access to the resources they deserve. 

“All of us have risk factors, especially now during COVID-19. I think this is an opportunity for us to bring to light mental health issues, because everybody is feeling some sense of isolation, anxiety, apprehension and fear,” she says. 

Mrs. Pence’s son is a Marine, and she comes from a military family, which is why she is so passionate about helping veterans with their mental health. 

In January, Mrs. Pence became the Lead Ambassador of PREVENTS, which stands for the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide.

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