Be the One

HOW YOU CAN BE THE ONE

What: The American Legion’s Be the One initiative encourages American Legion Family members, veterans, servicemembers and others to take action when they believe a veteran is at risk of suicide.

Why: To reduce the alarming number of veteran suicides.

How: Our goal is to destigmatize asking for mental health support, provide peer-to-peer support and resources, and educate everyone on how they can Be the One.

Who:

Veterans

• Talk with fellow veterans about how you are feeling.
• Ask for help when you think you need it.
• Know there are millions of people ready to help you.
• Remember your family and friends care.

Non-veterans

• Ask veterans in your life how they are doing.
• Listen when a veteran needs to talk.
• Reach out when a veteran is struggling.

American Legion posts

• Educate members, other veterans and civilians on the campaign.
• Display resources at your post or in your community.
• Share events or success stories at legiontown.org.

RESOURCES

American Legion support: Stories, videos and promotional items related to this initiative are available for posts, members and others. Visit betheone.org

For urgent help: Veterans experiencing a crisis can call 988 and press 1 for mental health assistance. Counselors are available 24/7. They may also text 838255 or visit the VA crisis line website veteranscrisisline.net