Post 90 in Georgia has weekly peer support meetings, but it also conducts special events, including a Nov. 14 mental health stand down.
The membership at Dexter Allen American Legion Post 90 in Statesboro, Ga., believes that mental health support is continuous effort, not something that happens monthly, quarterly or annually.
That’s why Post 90 offers weekly peer support meetings for veterans and their spouses, both in the afternoon and the evening.
But that hasn’t stopped the post from also hosting special events, such as the one coming up Nov. 14. Post 90 will host a Mental Health Stand-Down that is geared toward bringing veterans, spouses, families and community members together to promote mental health awareness, provide access to resources, and encourage meaningful conversations about suicide prevention.
“Post 90 makes mental health awareness and suicide prevention a priority throughout the year,” Post 90 Commander Bobby Godwin said. “Our goal is to conduct one or two suicide prevention and mental health awareness training events annually to help educate veterans, families, and our community about the importance of recognizing the signs of crisis and knowing how to help.
“However, our commitment goes well beyond these special events. Since October 2023, Post 90 has hosted peer support groups twice a week for veterans and once a week for spouses. This gives veterans an opportunity to connect with others who understand their experiences, share concerns, support one another, and recognize that they are not alone.”
Godwin said the daytime peer support had been going on for around eight years, but participation rose when a weekly evening session was added. “Today, our Monday evening group averages between 12 and 18 veterans each week, with an email distribution list of approximately 40 veterans who participate as their needs and schedules allow,” he said.
The Nov. 14 stand down will feature mental health professional Joseph Folsom, who specializes in trauma-informed care, child and adolescent mental health and military family services. He currently serves as Outreach Director for the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, where he works to expand access to mental health services and strengthen community partnerships across Georgia.
The Mental Health Stand-Down, sponsored by Post 90 and Georgia nonprofit Captivating Hope, will emphasize five areas of support:
· Mental health resources
· Community support
· Education and awareness
· Wellness and self-care
· Veteran support
“Mental health challenges affect more than just the individual; they affect entire families and communities,” Godwin said. “We believe education, awareness, open conversations, and knowing where to turn for help can make a difference. At Post 90, we want veterans and families to know that they have a place where they are welcome, where someone is willing to listen, and where they don't have to face life's challenges alone.”
Godwin said the stand down and the peer support meetings are part of the bigger mission of promoting Be the One, the Legion’s veteran suicide prevention mission.
“These efforts are an important part of The American Legion's Be the One mission, which encourages everyone to take action to prevent veteran suicide,” he said. “Suicide prevention isn't something we should talk about just once or twice a year. It's something we have to work on every day. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply be there, listen, and let someone know they are not alone."
- Be the One