Mental Health for Missouri's Veterans and Families

08/22/2025

Missouri Buddy Check 22 Day
How to raise awareness

One of the activities Missourians are encouraged to do on is to help raise awareness, here are a few tips:
1. When talking about su***de, it should always be with care and compassion.

2. Avoid using “commit” or “committed su***de.” “Commit” implies that su***de is a crime or immoral. Try using “died by su***de” or “lost their life to su***de.”

3. Do not refer to a su***de attempt as “successful”, “unsuccessful”, or “failed.” A su***de attempt is not about success, failure, or completion. People “die by su***de” or “survive a su***de attempt.”

4. Make sure your message inspires hope and that help is available. Consider promoting the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, a resource that people can use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Thank you for your interest in preventing su***de.
***dePrevention

08/18/2025

The health benefits of humor (by Mayo Clinic Press)

Though most people know the cliché “laughter is the best medicine,” there’s actually scientific evidence to back up the benefits. Humor can actually be a powerful — if often overlooked — strategy to support mental health.

According to Mayo Clinic expert Edward T. Creagan, M.D., staying healthy isn't just about diet and exercise. It's about finding moments of humor, joy and human connectedness.

08/14/2025

Heroes to Hives

A unique program that seeks to address financial and personal wellness of veterans through free professional training and community development centered around beekeeping.

Veterans leave the program with a broad depth of beekeeping knowledge, as well as personal and professional relationships that open new opportunities and ensure long-term peer support. Visit Heroes to Hives website to learn more https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/heroes-to-hives
Heroes to Hives of Missouri

08/07/2025

The Wellness Champion program, helping to normalize the conversation around mental health, su***de prevention, and substance misuse.

The Wellness Champion program creates a volunteer position in veteran service organizations across Missouri. They work with their veteran organization and local community to raise awareness about the health issues facing Missouri’s military community, provide training opportunities on behavioral health related topics, and help connect people to community resources.

Does your veteran service organization have a Wellness Champion? Contact the Missouri Department of Mental Health-Veterans Services to learn more
573-751-2368.

08/04/2025

Columbia Vet Center groups focus on veterans.

The Vet Center allows veterans to focus on their shared experience, so they are able to increase insight in to own struggles and help other veterans at the same time. The Columbia Vet Centers offer several types of groups: Substance use disorder group, American Combative Operators group, Military Sexual Trauma group, OEF/OIF group, Spouse Support group, Veteran Creative Arts group, Veteran Socialization group, Vietnam Veteran group, and the Waynesville Veteran group.

Call today to learn more about the group that interests you.
YOU MUST BE PREREGISTERED TO ATTEND: 573-814-6206
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

07/28/2025

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other to stay clean. There are no dues or fees. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using.

To find a meeting near you visit https://missourina.org/meetings/

07/22/2025

Missouri Buddy Check 22 Day
Changes in behavior.

When you check in with a service member, veteran, or family member this month, watch for changes in behavior. They may suggest an increased risk of su***de. Here are a few examples:
-once outgoing but now withdrawn from activities and friends
-increased use of alcohol or drugs
-normally friendly but now angry or aggressive
-looking for the lethal means to attempt su***de with (such as pills or a firearm)

If you or someone you know is in crisis or emotional distress, call or text 988 (Veterans press 1 for VA crisis specialists)

***dePrevention

07/21/2025

Did You Know?

Over the last 365 days, alcohol was reported as being the primary concern when entering Missouri Department of Mental Health substance treatment programs. People experiencing problems with alcohol accounted for over 32% of admissions.

If you or someone you know engages in unhealthy alcohol use, there is hope. Connect to treatment by calling 1-800-364-9687.

07/17/2025

Resources for Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life (by DAV)

Every veteran is affected by service. They may face health problems, employment issues and struggles around accessing their benefits—immediately after service but also in the years to come. These are some of the most common issues they encounter and how DAV can help.

Transitioning from military to civilian life? Get the lifetime support you need with DAV. We help with PTSD, TBI, health, and employment issues.

07/14/2025

Thank you to the The American Legion Department of Missouri for inviting us to attend your annual state convention and hosting our Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) su***de prevention training. This year, over 50% of our training sessions have been conducted with American Legion posts across the state. Amazing work Legion, thank you.

During this year's state convention, attendees got to meet the newest member of the MOVSPT family "Sif". Sif is a member of AMVETS and is your trainer for the St Louis area. Reach out today and schedule training for your post, business, or organization (573) 751-2368.
***dePrevention The American Legion National Headquarters

07/10/2025

Attending the The American Legion Department of Missouri Convention?

Stop by and visit DMH Veterans Services table. Lots of information about heath issues facing service members, veterans, and their families. Also promoting two great programs:
- MyPrime which is a free online course designed to help curb problem drinking/drug behavior
- Wellness Champion which creates a volunteer position in your veteran service post to raise awareness of heath issues and connect people to community services.

Hope to see you there!
The American Legion National Headquarters

07/07/2025

Governor Mike Kehoe and team members of the Missouri Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Su***de among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) received the new Challenge Coin for su***de prevention excellence, at an event in the Governor’s Office on July 2, 2025. Challenge coins are a l...