With the constant challenges and isolating adversities veterans face daily, we all need a safe space to share our stories, find support, and learn how to overcome life’s obstacles. Face the Fight’s mission is to shatter stigmas surrounding suicide to foster open, educated dialogue to address issues related to veteran mental health. Face the Fight isn’t just an organization; it’s a community of caring souls, corporations, nonprofits, and individuals that have joined to tackle veteran and military suicide head-on.
Working in tandem with organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the White House, Face the Fight aims to address gaps in current suicide prevention efforts and extend its reach by serving as:
- a campaign designed to reduce the stigma associated with help-seeking behaviors;
- a philanthropic grant initiative centering on identifying chances to expand evidence-based interventions for preventing suicide on a larger scale; and
- a coalition dedicated to reducing veteran suicide through meaningful actions, commitments, and cross-sector collaboration.
One of the distinctive features of Face the Fight is a website with a structured approach to providing help. Wefacethefight.org is a beacon of resources and empowerment, offering individuals a virtual library to connect, learn, and grow with other veterans and professionals. The user-friendly approach ensures that veterans can efficiently access the resources that can profoundly impact their lives. The organization has categorized its online resources into critical areas to address specific needs. For example:
- Get Peer-Support: Facilitating connections with fellow veterans who understand the challenges experienced by the community. The peer-support category on their website emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences.
- Get Career Support: Career support can significantly benefit veterans transitioning and post-transitioning. Face the Fight partners with organizations to provide employment opportunities and mentorship.
- Get Connected: Staying connected is vital for mental and emotional well-being. This category focuses on initiatives that promote social activity and community involvement.
Each organization partnering with Face the Fight brings its expertise to the table. Some focus on PTSD treatment, while others specialize in suicide prevention. Once all the resources and organizations were in line, the Face the Fight team looked at the best grouping for ease of use and improved member experience.
Future coalition backing and $41 million fund Face the Fight and partnered programs aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suicide prevention strategies. Similar organizations, from companies to nonprofits, are invited to join Face the Fight across philanthropic, contributing, and community categories. The diversity offers a wide range of support to address veterans’ complex challenges. Members can donate, provide in-kind support, directly assist the mission as nonprofits, serve as government liaisons or aid in spreading awareness.
One veteran’s story illustrates the value of programs Face the Fight is supporting. He spent an entire year working with Stop Soldier Suicide (SSS), a national nonprofit focused on reducing the military suicide rate, which received a grant from Face the Fight. This veteran collaborated closely with two staff members to calm his suicidal thoughts. Together, they crafted a crisis response plan that allowed him to work on mending his marriage and achieve different employment milestones.
He said, “The night of my suicide attempt, I was in the most hopeless and darkest place… My suicide plan was thwarted by a locked gate… with the help of [two SSS staff members] and my other providers, I am still here and in a much better place. I don’t think I would have made it past that first week after the suicide attempt if I did not pick up the phone and call Stop Soldier Suicide.”
He found hope in his journey through personal efforts, help from Face the Fight, and encouragement from Stop Soldier Suicide.
Face the Fight demonstrates the power of unity and collective action in the fight against veteran suicide. The initiative extends its reach and resources through partnerships with other organizations, providing a solid support network for veterans and their loved ones. By fostering collaboration, Face the Fight creates a unified front to support veteran mental health, raise awareness, provide resources, share knowledge, and empower individuals to take positive steps towards healing and gaining strength.