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 “Since
kicking off the Illinois Governor's Challenge in November, my
office, the Illinois Department of Human Services, and the Illinois
Department of Veterans’ Affairs have worked in partnership to
implement a comprehensive approach to combat suicide among Service
Members, Veterans, and their Families,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
“The crisis hotline and training resources are an integral piece to
increasing access to mental health resources across the state.”
“Offering suicide prevention services to veterans is a crucial and
compassionate initiative aimed at addressing the mental health
challenges faced by those who have served in the armed forces,” said
Grace B. Hou, Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human
Services. “By providing specialized support and resources, such as
crisis hotlines staffed by trained professionals, counseling
services, and outreach programs, we can reach out to veterans in
need and offer them the help they deserve. These services can focus
on creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for veterans to
discuss their struggles, trauma, and emotional pain. Additionally,
connecting veterans with peer support networks and promoting
community engagement can foster a sense of belonging. Implementing
comprehensive mental health care for veterans is essential to honor
their sacrifices and ensure their well-being, fostering resilience
and hope for a brighter future.”
This statewide Veterans Crisis Line serves SMVFs,
their friends, and those who support them and are struggling with
mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). The crisis line is free, confidential, and
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers do not need to
be enrolled in VA services to use the Veterans Crisis Line. For
support, SMVFs can call 988 directly and then press 1, text 838255,
or chat online
www.veteranscrisisline.net with a trained professional.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control, the suicide rate
among males in 2021 was approximately four times higher than the
rate among females. Males make up 50% of the population but nearly
80% of suicides. Rates of suicide among Illinois’ military
population is 26 percent. Our goal is to eliminate suicide,” said
Dr. Teresa Glaze, Ph.D, LCSW and Campaign Team Leader. “Suicide is
preventable and through these new resources, the Governor's
Challenge will continue to raise awareness and reduce stigma, as
well as provide tools for people that want to support those that
serve and have served our country, as well as to their family and
friends.”
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The Governor's Challenge has partnered with
PsychArmor, a national nonprofit providing education and training to
improve the outcomes of military-connected individuals, to offer
free online courses to prevent suicide among SMVFs. The online
training program is open to all individuals, with short courses
geared toward healthcare professionals, mental health providers,
social workers, educators, clergy, community members, and others who
work with service members and veterans in need or their families.
Participants can receive certification and continuing education
credits. Training courses are available by visiting
https://illinois-smvf.psych
armor.org.
“The Governor’s Challenge Campaign is excited to partner with
Military and Veteran-serving organizations to make real progress
across the state. We feel confident that by providing training to a
wide range of professionals and community members, the campaign is
creating a strong network of individuals that are equipped to
support our military community in need,” Glaze added.
The training program covers various topics including the signs and
symptoms of mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and
anxiety. Participants will learn how to recognize these symptoms in
Service Members and Veterans and how to provide appropriate support
and resources. The program will also cover strategies for suicide
prevention, crisis intervention, and safe gun storage.
“The crisis line and online training resources are
just two components of a larger effort to combat Service Member and
Veteran suicide in Illinois,” said Terry Prince, Director of the
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. “By increasing awareness
and knowledge about the unique challenges that Service Members and
Veterans face, Illinoisans can work together to prevent suicide and
provide the care and support that our Service Members, Veterans, and
their Families deserve.”
For more information and to get involved with the Illinois
Governor’s Challenge to eliminate suicide among SMVFs, visit
savevets.illinois.gov.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
