MISSION:

The Department of Illinois Veterans Suicide Prevention Program exists to reduce stigma, increase awareness, strengthen community connections, and ensure veterans and their families know that help is available.

As Veterans of Foreign Wars members, we have a responsibility to look after one another. Suicide prevention is not solely the responsibility of mental health professionals. It begins with a conversation, a phone call, a check-in, or simply letting another veteran know they are not alone.

This program is designed to encourage meaningful engagement, community partnerships, education, and direct support of organizations working every day to prevent veteran suicide and improve mental wellness.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

• Increase awareness of veteran suicide and mental health challenges.
• Promote open and honest conversations regarding mental wellness.
• Reduce stigma surrounding mental health treatment and support.
• Strengthen partnerships with organizations dedicated to veteran suicide prevention.
• Encourage veteran-to-veteran connectedness and peer support.
• Provide opportunities for Posts to engage their communities in meaningful ways.
• Support organizations providing life-saving services to veterans and their families.

WHY THIS PROGRAM MATTERS:

Many veterans were taught to carry burdens silently. We were taught to push through adversity, handle problems on our own, and avoid discussing personal struggles.

While resilience is one of our greatest strengths, silence can become one of our greatest obstacles.

The reality is that many veterans struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship challenges, financial stress, substance use, and feelings of isolation. These challenges do not discriminate based on rank, branch, combat service, or age.

By talking openly about mental health, we help break the stigma that prevents veterans from seeking support. Every conversation creates an opportunity to save a life.

As leaders within our communities, VFW members have the unique ability to create environments where veterans feel comfortable asking for help without fear of judgment.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

Each Post is encouraged to participate in suicide prevention activities throughout the program year.
Examples include:

• Hosting awareness events.
• Conducting Buddy Check outreach.
• Organizing educational presentations.
• Inviting mental health professionals or veteran service providers to speak.
• Participating in community walks or awareness campaigns.
• Supporting veteran wellness initiatives.
• Promoting available resources through social media and local outreach.

ALL-STATE REQUIREMENT:

To qualify for All-State consideration under the Veterans Suicide Prevention Program, a Post must complete the following:

• Partner with an approved suicide prevention or veteran mental health organization designated by the Department Chairman.
• Work directly with the designated point of contact provided by the Department.
• Host, co-host, sponsor, or actively participate in a suicide prevention awareness event, fundraiser, educational event, wellness event, or community outreach activity.
• Submit documentation of participation, including photographs, event descriptions, and impact summaries.

IMPORTANT:

APPROVED PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS:

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Veterans Path to Hope – SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Program
• Road Home Program at Rush University Medical Center
• Other organizations approved by the Department Chairman that demonstrate a direct commitment to veteran suicide prevention, mental wellness, crisis intervention, peer support, or veteran behavioral health services.

PARTNERSHIP EXPECTATIONS:

Participating Posts should:

• Meet with the designated organization representative.
• Learn about available services and resources.
• Share information with Post members and community veterans.
• Support awareness efforts.
• Create opportunities for veterans to access assistance.
• Build sustainable local relationships that continue beyond a single event.

REPORTING:

Reports should include:

• Name of partner organization.
• Date and location of event.
• Number of participants.
• Description of activity.
• Amount raised, if applicable.
• Impact on veterans and community.
• Photographs and supporting documentation.

CHAIRMAN’S CHALLENGE:

Every Post is challenged to have at least one conversation this year that could save a life.

Talk to the veteran who has stopped attending meetings.

Call the member who never answers.

Check on the veteran who always says they are fine.

Reach out to the family member who may be struggling.

Suicide prevention does not always begin with a crisis. Often, it begins with connection.

Together, we can build a culture where asking for help is viewed as strength, where mental wellness is openly discussed, and where no veteran feels forgotten.

No One Fights Alone.
No Veteran Left Behind.