The Missouri Governor’s Challenge state team has launched Beyond The Uniform to promote the state’s suicide prevention efforts for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF).
Impact of Suicide on SMVF:
The 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Data Report indicates that suicide was the 12th-leading cause of death for Veterans in 2022. In the same year, suicide was the 2nd-leading cause of death for Veterans under the age of 45. Additionally, the Missouri Veteran suicide rate was significantly higher than the national Veteran suicide rate. The data informs people about the severity of the issue but what is frequently missing from these stories is hope.
The Role of Hope in Suicide Prevention:
Hope serves an important role in suicide prevention. It can give people strength to keep going, even when life is at its darkest. Beyond The Uniform was created to provide hope by sharing news and information on Missouri’s efforts to help prevent suicide among SMVF. The Missouri Governor’s Challenge state team is asking for articles from Missourians and organizations across the state to highlight these activities.
Community Involvement in Suicide Prevention:
There are many individuals and organizations across the state working on preventing suicide in the military community. It is important to highlight these activities as a way to show hope. Every Missourian plays a role in preventing suicide and can make a difference. It is time to let everyone see the work being done to save Missouri lives.
Submission Guidelines:
If you or your organization has a suicide prevention event scheduled or recently completed, specifically for SMVF, please share it with us. Send an image and a short write-up to info@mogovchallenge.com. Submissions that include raising funds or do not specifically address preventing suicide in the military community will not be accepted.
