Join the Movement: National Buddy Check Week is Here to Support Our Veterans!

EL PASO, TX (BNN) — This week, from October 21-25, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is rolling out its National Buddy Check Week as part of the STRONG Veterans Act of 2022. This initiative is designed to fortify peer-to-peer connections among veterans, enhancing their mental well-being and broadening access to both VA and non-VA resources.

What is National Buddy Check Week?

National Buddy Check Week serves as a heartfelt reminder for veterans to reconnect with each other and strengthen the bonds that unite them across the nation. The VA emphasizes that this week is more than just a campaign; it’s a call to action for veterans to engage with their peers and support one another.

Key Objectives of Buddy Check Week

• Enhance Peer Connections: Encourage veterans to reach out to one another regularly.
• Improve Mental Health: Foster an environment of support and understanding.
• Increase Resource Access: Facilitate awareness of available VA and non-VA support systems.

Understanding the Signs: S.A.V.E Training

To further bolster these connections, the VA has introduced the S.A.V.E training program, aimed at equipping veterans with the knowledge to recognize the signs of suicidal thoughts. The acronym stands for:

1. Signs: Learn to identify signs of suicidal thinking.
2. Ask: Don’t hesitate to ask the critical question—“Are you okay?”
3. Validate: Acknowledge the veteran's feelings and experiences.
4. Encourage: Motivate them to seek treatment and navigate the help available.

This training is offered every month on the final Friday, ensuring that veterans have ongoing opportunities to learn and support one another.

The Summit: A Gathering of Support

Recently, the VA hosted a summit in Washington, D.C., centered around the Buddy Check initiative. This event featured notable presentations from organizations such as:

• The American Legion
• American Red Cross
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
• American Corporate Partners

The summit provided a platform for discussion and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of community in supporting our veterans.

Why It Matters

As we observe National Buddy Check Week, it’s crucial to remember that every connection made can significantly impact a veteran's life. By participating in this initiative, you contribute to a larger movement that prioritizes mental health and community support.

What do you think?

• How effective do you believe peer support systems are for veterans?
• Should the government do more to support mental health initiatives for veterans?
• What role do you think technology can play in increasing connections among veterans?
• Is there a stigma surrounding mental health discussions among veterans that needs to be addressed?
• How can civilians best support veterans during initiatives like Buddy Check Week?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how we can collectively uplift our veterans and strengthen our communities!