Continuing the state’s efforts to prevent suicide, Missouri Governor Mike Parson has agreed to participate in the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans and their Families, a partnership through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Governor’s Challenge is designed to provide intensive technical support and assist states in implementing best practices around suicide prevention for service members, Veterans, and their families.
“Although Missouri has already begun to implement suicide prevention efforts, participation in this initiative will allow us to further implement best policies and practices and advance our suicide prevention efforts for service members, Veterans, their families and all Missourians,” said Governor Parson.
As part of this initiative, Missouri has developed a team to ensure cross-agency collaboration. Members of the state team include Legislators and representatives from Department of Mental Health, Missouri Veterans Commission, Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, Department of Social Services, Department of Corrections, University of Missouri – St. Louis: Missouri Institute for Mental health, American Legion – Missouri, St. Louis VA System of Care, Missouri AgrAbility Project, Missouri Office of State Courts Administrators, Missouri Coalition for Community Behavioral Healthcare, and other community providers.
Missouri is one of only eight states selected for the Governor’s Challenge in 2021. To learn more about the Governor’s Challenge visit www.samhsa.gov/smvf-ta-center/mayors-governors-challenges.
For more information about the program contact Jon Sabala at jon.sabala@dmh.mo.gov or Debra Walker at 573-751-1647, e-mail debra.walker@dmh.mo.gov.