MISSOURI BUDDY CHECK 22

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. 

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.

Whether you meet in person, call, or text, reaching out is essential. 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 happening 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.

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”

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 about suicide prevention efforts and resources by following these Missouri social media accounts. 

Missouri Department of Mental Health

Missouri Veterans Suicide Prevention Team

Missouri Suicide Prevention Network