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The American Legion is leading a nationwide effort — “Be the One”— to eliminate the stigma related to mental health treatment, and in turn, lower the number of veterans who die by suicide every day.

The number of veterans who die by suicide every day is estimated at between 17 and 22. The American Legion has elevated Be the One to be its top priority, empowering veterans, servicemembers, their family members and civilians to act appropriately when a veteran may be at risk. 

HOW YOU CAN BE THE ONE

What: The American Legion's Be the One initiative encourages American Legion Family members, 

veterans, servicemembers and others to take action when they believe a veteran is at risk of 

suicide.

Why: To reduce the alarming number of veteran suicides.

How: Our goal is to destigmatize asking for mental health support, provide peer-to-peer support and 

resources, and educate everyone on how they can Be the One.

Who:

• Veterans
  • Talk with fellow veterans about how you are feeling.
  • Ask for help when you think you need it.
  • Know there are millions of people ready to help you.
  • Remember your family and friends care.
• Non-veterans
  • Ask veterans in your life how they are doing. Listen when a veteran needs to talk.
  • Reach out when a veteran is struggling.
• Veteran Service Organizations
  • Educate members, other veterans and civilians on the campaign.
  • Display resources at your post or in your community.
  • Share events or success stories at legiontown.org.

RESOURCES

American Legion support: Stories, videos and promotional items related to this initiative are 

available for posts, members and others. Visit betheone.org

For urgent help: Veterans experiencing a crisis can call 988 and press 1 for mental health assistance. Counselors are available 24/7. They may also text 838255 or visit the VA crisis line website veteranscrisisline.net