The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families announced this month a partnership with Objective Zero Foundation and Face the Fight aimed at reducing suicide among service members, veterans and families.
This collaboration reflects a unified commitment to addressing the mental health needs of suicide among service members, veterans and families through evidence-informed interventions, innovative technology, peer support, public-private partnerships and community-driven solutions.
“Maryland is committed to making our state the best place for veterans and military families to live, work and thrive. But that commitment must include the strongest possible efforts to prevent suicide and promote wellness,” said Tony Woods, secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. “By bringing together technology, peer support and community leadership, this partnership demonstrates Maryland’s holistic approach to saving lives and strengthening families.”
The Objective Zero Foundation connects service members, veterans and their families (SMVF) to peer support and wellness resources through its evidence-based mobile app platform. The Department of Veterans and Military Families (DMVF) is the first state government agency in the nation to officially join Face the Fight. The agency will work with Objective Zero, as well as a Face the Fight member and grantee, to raise awareness of their web-based peer support application.
Face the Fight, founded by USAA, is a coalition of corporations, foundations, nonprofit and veteran-focused organizations that have joined together to raise awareness and support for veteran suicide prevention. Its mission is to break the stigmas surrounding suicide in order to open conversation and support around the topic.
Objective Zero’s mission is to get to a “functional zero,” which means getting to the point at which a person’s military service or connection to the military is no longer a distinguishing factor in suicide. To accomplish this, Objective Zero fosters a supportive community where service members, veterans, their families and caregivers can connect, find resources and access life-saving tools and training.
“At Objective Zero, we know that connection saves lives. Partnering with organizations like the State of Maryland and Face the Fight allows us to expand our reach and impact, getting veterans, service members, their families and caregivers the support they deserve when and where they need it most,” said Betsey Mercado, Objective Zero’s executive director. “As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to take that first step. Download the Objective Zero App and connect with peer support, wellness tools and resources and a community that truly understands. Reach out, even if you don’t know where to start.”
This partnership aligns with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s commitment to the state’s participation in the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among SMVF and to affirm that no service member, veteran or family member is left behind.
The DVMF and Objective Zero will work closely with the Face the Fight coalition to further advance suicide prevention service delivery, expand access to peer support and build a coordinated system of care that ensures no service member, veteran, military family member, caregiver or survivor falls through the cracks.
According to Face the Fight, the veteran suicide rate is 57 percent higher than the national average, with more than 120,000 veterans dying by suicide since 2001.
“Suicide prevention is a fight we must all face together. Through Face the Fight, we are investing in expanding access to effective, evidence-based practices that save lives,” said Babs Chase, executive director of the Face the Fight Coalition and senior vice president of strategic initiatives for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “We are proud to support Maryland’s leadership and collaborate with partners who share our determination to make real, lasting change for those who have served and sacrificed.”