Illinois Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families

Need help now?
Call the Military and Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988, then press 1, or text at 838255.
The Military and Veterans Crisis Line serves Service Members, Veterans, National Guard and Reserve Members, their families, friends and those who support them. The crisis line is free, confidential, and available 24/7. You do not need to be enrolled in VA services to use the Veterans Crisis Line.
What is the Governor's Challenge?
Suicide among Service Members and Veterans is tragic, frequent but, most importantly, preventable. The Illinois Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families (SMVF) is developing and implementing state-wide suicide prevention best practices for SMVF. See more information about the Illinois Governor's Challenge

Suicide Prevention Training Free, online suicide prevention training and continuing education credits are available for anyone who supports or serves our military Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. You can complete the training at your own pace and at your convenience. The courses will help you become better equipped to understand and address the needs of SMVF and the military-connected community. Access the training portal HERE and sign up to become a voice for those who serve.
Why the Illinois Governor's Challenge? Terry Prince, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, explains the Illinois Governor's Challenge and why you should be involved. Prince is a 31-year United States Navy veteran.
Governor's Challenge Partners
The Illinois Governor's Challenge is a partnership between the Illinois Department of Human Services-Division of Mental Health (IDHS-DMH) and the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA).The Illinois Governor's Challenge is part of the Governor's Challenge and Mayor's Challenges to Prevent Suicide Among SMVF, a national effort that champions mental health support and preventative services. The Governor's Challenge and Mayor's Challenges is a partnership with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

How can I PREVENT SUICIDE in my community?

Hear The Call
We can prevent suicide by listening compassionately, speaking up, increasing our knowledge of risk factors and warning signs and decreasing access to lethal means. Learn more about signs of crisis.Encourage Service Members, Veterans and their Families who may be in crisis to reach out for help. Let them know that they are not alone and there is hope. For Service Members, Veterans and Military Families in crisis, reaching out for help and making a safety plan is key.If you or someone you know needs help or someone to talk to:
- Any Service Member, Veteran, or Family member can call the Military and Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 988, then press 1, or text at 838255.
- For Service Members, Veterans, or their Families who need assistance or information, Illinois Joining Forces (IJF) serves Military Service Members and Veterans of ALL Eras, ALL Branches, All Manner of Discharge and their families statewide. For high-touch, holistic resource navigation, contact the IJF Care Coordination Center at: 833-INFO IJF (463-6453) or IJF Assistance
- Anyone in Illinois can reach out to the Mental Health Helplines.
- Anyone in Illinois can reach out to the Suicide Prevention Helplines.
- Any Military member in Illinois can reach out to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the Military Crisis Line.
Spread The Word
Download and share these free infographics on suicide prevention. Available for print and social media.Educational Materials and Media Kit (27 MB)
Download this informational packet to learn more about available resources.Veteran resources list AHS (PDF)

Increase Safety By All Means
Educate yourself about suicide prevention, including reducing access to lethal means in times of crisis.
- Watch: watch and listen to a conversation between Dr. Teresa Glaze, PhD, LCSW, Illinois Statewide Director of Social Work and team lead of the Illinois Governor's Challenge and Terry Prince, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs.
- Read: Learn how securing firearms and medications can prevent suicide. Suicide Prevention - Mental Health
- Read: Firearm Suicide Prevention & Lethal Means Safety kit on safe storage
- Read: VA Safety Plan (PDF) which is a prioritized written list of coping strategies and sources of support that Veterans who have been deemed to be at high risk for suicide can use before or during a crisis.
- Listen to an Illinois Veteran share his experience.
- Listen to the mother of an Illinois Veteran share her experience.
Training Portal
The Governor's Challenge is partnering with PsychArmor to offer free online courses on content related to Service Members, Veterans and their Families, and suicide prevention. Upon creating an account, you'll be enrolled in a learning pathway that fits best with your professional experience. Continuing education credits are offered at no cost to participants. You can access the courses here.

For more information about the Governor's Challenge, contact us at DHS.DMH.GC@illinois.gov.
This is not a crisis line.
If you are in crisis, dial 988, then press 1, or text at 838255.

Images on this page include photos from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.