Illinois Provides Important
Resources for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
Confidential hotline and customized
training resources help prevent suicide
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[November 10, 2023]
Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker acknowledged U.S. Service Members who dedicate
their lives to protecting the nation’s independence and freedom
today by reminding residents about the Illinois Governor’s Challenge
Campaign. The initiative created the Veterans Crisis hotline and
online training resources for organizations interested in supporting
Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF).
Too often, Veterans face their toughest challenges when they return
home. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates 17-22
Veterans die by suicide in our country every day.
“As Governor, I am committed to making sure that every Illinoisan,
including our veterans, has access to quality mental healthcare and
critical suicide prevention services that save countless lives,”
said Governor JB Pritzker. “It’s why we started the Illinois
Governor’s Challenge in partnership with IDHS and IDVA to combat
suicide among service members, veterans, and their families. From
our 24/7 crisis hotline to online training resources, the Governor’s
Challenge is expanding both access and awareness—and I urge all
Illinoisans to utilize these tools to protect and support our
state’s extraordinary service members.”
“Offering suicide prevention services to Service
Members, Veterans, and their Families is a crucial and compassionate
initiative aimed at addressing the mental health challenges faced by
those who serve or have served in the armed forces,” said Dulce
Quintero, Secretary Designate of the Illinois Department of Human
Services. “By providing specialized support and resources such as a
crisis hotline staffed by trained professionals, outreach programs,
and customized training, we can offer these groups the help they
deserve when they are in need. These services focus on creating a
safe environment to discuss their struggles, trauma, and emotional
pain. Implementing comprehensive mental health care is essential to
honor their sacrifices and ensure their well-being, fostering
resilience and hope for a bright future.”
Illinois Veterans Crisis Line
The statewide Veterans Crisis Line serves SMVF, their friends and
family, and those who support them. 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 at
VeteransCrisisLine.net
with a trained professional.
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“Suicide is preventable. The
Governor's Challenge initiative is designed to raise awareness
and reduce stigma, as well as provide tools for those who want
to support people who currently serve and have served our
country, as well as for their family and friends,” said Dr.
Teresa Glaze, Ph.D., LCSW and Campaign Team Leader.
Online training resources
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
anyone, with short courses geared toward health care 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
continuing education credits.
Training courses are available by visiting Illinois-SMVF.PsychArmor.org.
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, as well as how to provide appropriate
support and resources. The program also discusses strategies for
suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and safe gun storage.
“The Governor's Challenge has successfully raised awareness of
Veteran suicide and how each of us can play a role in helping
Veterans in crisis,” said Terry Prince, Director of the Illinois
Department of Veterans' Affairs. “We invite everyone to join this
crusade and protect those who have protected us.”
Take action today
For more information and to get involved with the Illinois
Governor’s Challenge visit
SaveVets.Illinois.gov.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
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