On February 1, 2021 Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed a letter of support for Missouri to participate in the Governor’s Challenge. A non-partisan state interagency team was created to embark on a process to collaborate, plan, and implement suicide prevention best practices and policies for SMVF statewide.

The National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide 2018-2028 provides Governor’s Challenge Teams a framework for identifying priorities. The strategic priorities work together to promote wellness, increase protection, reduce risk and promote effective treatment and recovery. The Missouri Governor’s Challenge team is focusing on three strategic priorities of the National Strategy: identify SMVF and screen for suicide risk, promote connectedness and improve care transitions, and increase lethal means safety and safety planning. There is evidence that these three priority areas can help in making a positive change to prevent suicide in Missouri.