If you are experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis, or any other emotional distress, call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat.
Missouri Buddy Check 22 Day
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
What is Missouri Buddy Check 22 Day?
Missouri legislation was passed effective 28 AUG 2020, establishing the twenty-second day of each month as "Buddy Check 22 Day" in the state to promote education and awareness of the problems of suicide facing military personnel. ALL Missourians are encouraged to learn about how to prevent suicide and raise awareness. Together we can all help prevent suicide.
The Facts
Suicide is the
12th
Leading cause of death
45.2
Missouri Veterans
Suicide Rate in 2021
80%
of Missouri Veteran
suicides were by firearms
There are an estimated
25
attempts for every
documented suicide death
What Can I do?
What: Set a reminder for the twenty-second (22) day of each month to check in with a service member, Veteran or their family.
Who: We are asking all Missourians to check in on service members, Veterans, and their families.
Why: Having people that support you, being connected with others, is good for mental health and can help reduce the risk of suicide. A “check in” allows service members, Veterans, and their families to know they are cared for and that help is available in times of need or during a mental health crisis.
Don’t personally know a service member, Veteran or military family? That’s okay: Plan to do something to help raise awareness or learn about how to prevent suicide on the twenty-second (22) day of each month.
How Do I Check-In?
Whether you meet in person, call or text, reaching out is important. It lets people know they are not alone and someone cares about them. Here are three easy steps to help you:
- Talk. Start with “I’ve been thinking of you, can we talk?” then ask “How are you doing?”
- Listen. Listen to what they say, try to understand their thoughts and feelings, and summarize what you heard back to them. This lets the person know they are being heard and understood. If they are not doing ok, ask them what is going on and be ready to offer help if needed. If you are worried about their safety, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Veterans press 1)
- Meet again. Let them know you are here for them. Make a plan to talk or meet again soon.
Raise Awareness
When you are promoting suicide prevention messaging or hosting an event, let everyone know about it!It’s not just about raising awareness of the problem of suicide, it’s about raising awareness of the issues that help cause Missouri’s high rate of Veteran suicide.
When you are promoting suicide prevention messaging or hosting an event, let everyone know about it! Use #MOBC22Day when using social media and help create a collective voice for suicide prevention in Missouri.
Examples:
- “Today is Buddy Check 22 Day! Have you called your buddy today? #MOBC22Day”
- “Join us during the [suicide prevention event] and help prevent suicide #MOBC22Day”
- “The end of a personal relationship. The loss of a job. Everybody faces difficult times in life, and people cope with stressful situations in different ways. When emotional issues reach a crisis point, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline #MOBC22Day”
Learn about Prevention
All Missourians are encouraged to learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide and how to offer help to someone in crisis. There are suicide prevention training courses availableAll Missourians are encouraged to learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide and how to offer help to someone in crisis. There are suicide prevention training courses available.
- Online: S.A.V.E. training by PsychArmor
- In Person: Missouri Veterans Suicide Prevention Team
Stay Informed
Stay informed about suicide prevention efforts and resources by following these Missouri social media accounts.
Veterans Services
I Have a Question
If you have questions about Missouri’s Buddy Check 22 Day, please contact the Missouri Department of Mental Health-Veterans Services
by emailing DMH.Veteran@dmh.mo.gov or call (573) 751-2368.