Veteran suicide is the No. 1 issue facing the veteran community today. The American Legion's answer is Be the One, a call for every one of us to be the person who notices, asks, and acts.
To get us ready, The American Legion has partnered with Columbia University to offer free online training in the Columbia Protocol, a short, proven set of questions anyone can use to tell whether a veteran may be at risk and needs help right away. Each session runs 90 minutes on Zoom, so you can join from home, and no counseling background is needed.
In the session you will learn how to:
- Use the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale to identify people who may be at risk
- Recognize risk factors and warning signs
- Spot behaviors that signal immediate danger
- Talk with a comrade who may be thinking of hurting themselves
Upcoming sessions (Central time):
- Tuesday, Nov. 3, 8 to 9:30 a.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 12, 10:30 a.m. to noon
- Wednesday, Nov. 18, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 9, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 17, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Sign up today: Be the One training registration (click Register next to the session you want).
Post 38 is asking every member, starting with the Executive Committee, to take the training. It pairs naturally with the Buddy Checks we already do.
If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Post 38: Be the One.