American Legion posts and members are acting on behalf of veterans to reduce the rate of suicide. Share your success stories, upcoming events and more.
American Legion posts and members are demonstrating they are fully engaged with the new initiative, “Be the One.” The American Legion’s effort aims to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health wellness and, in turn, reduce the rate of veteran suicide.
Take, for example, Casey Nash, the 1st district commander in the Department of Georgia. Nash shared her story of how she turned survival into helping others. To share your story, visit the Legiontown web page and choose the “Be the One” category.
Last summer, Post 171 in Crystal Lake, Ill., held its second annual Vets 4 Veterans event. More than 100 veterans and family members were on hand for the day-long Be the One-oriented program that included over 40 vendors that shared information about their local resources for veterans.
Other posts are planning similar events like American Legion Post 373 in Baldwinville, Mass. In early November, the post is leading a Be the One event focused on suicide risk awareness and prevention for veterans, servicemembers, first responders and their families. Local agencies will be available to share information about resources, programs and more.
If your post is hosting, planning or participating in a similar event, let us know by sharing it on Legiontown and/or emailing the details to magazine@legion.org.
In addition to the Crystal Lake and Baldwinville posts, there are other American Legion posts already conducting or planning suicide awareness events or other programs related to the vision of Be the One. Such programs can be easily transformed into “Be the One” events. In fact, National Headquarters has created promotional materials to assist posts and departments that are hosting or participating in suicide awareness events and other community activities related to “Be the One.”
The web page will continue to be updated with a variety of resources. To learn more about the currently available resources including special brochures, videos and a QR code read this primer and visit betheone.org.
- Suicide Prevention