VA and the Ad Council Redefine Bravery in New Suicide Prevention PSAs

The new PSA amp8220The Bravest Thingamp8221 acknowledges that it can be hard for Veterans to reach out if theyamp8217re struggling amp8211 but in the eyes of their loved ones seeking help is an act of bravery By featuring Veterans alongside their friends and family the film encourages Veterans to open up if theyamp8217re struggling and reminds everyone that they can play a role in supporting Veterans in their livesWatch quotThe Bravest Thingquot PSA httpsyoutubeVpqv4Evgrmsamp8220When a Veteran is ready to reach out VA is ready to provide services and support One of the bravest things Veterans can do is ask for helpamp8221 said Dr Matthew Miller Executive Director VA Office of Suicide Prevention amp8220These new messages are powerful and compassionate additions to the Donamp8217t Wait Reach Out campaign that features the voices of loved ones underscoring the vital role that family and friends play in supporting Veterans We all play a role in suicide prevention and this call to action engages community and connections which are crucial in preventing Veteran suicide Through this campaign we can spread hope that Veterans and all of us can overcome crises and difficult life challengesamp82216392 Veterans lost their lives to suicide in 2021 according to the latest data from the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report This data emphasizes the call to action for continued efforts in suicide preventionquotThis moving new work shows the depth of the bonds that Veterans share with their friends and familyquot said Heidi Arthur chief campaign development officer at the Ad Council quotWe hope to remind Veterans and their loved ones how important and brave it is to reach out for support when things feel overwhelmingquotThe PSAs were created pro bono by advertising agency GSDampampM and directed by writer and filmmaker Andre Muir in partnership with SMUGGLER The new works will appear nationwide across donated media space and time including broadcast digital social outofhome and print Major media platforms have supported this effort since it began such as FOX Meta Reddit Twitch Yahoo and YouTube The PSAs will also be distributed across the Ad Councilamp8217s network of more than 1850 broadcast TV stations throughout the countryquotThese powerful stories reveal how the loved ones of Veterans often become their strongest supporters motivating them to seek helpquot said Bo Bradbury SVP and managing director at GSDampampM quotWith 39The Bravest Thing39 we aim to ensure that both Veterans and their loved ones use the available resources and feel supported throughout their journeyquotThe amp8220Donamp8217t Wait Reach Outamp8221 campaign has also partnered with Grammynominated duo The War And Treaty which consists of singersongwriters Veteran Michael Trotter Jr and his wife Tanya Trotter In a video launching today the couple shares how Tanya supported Michael in seeking help when he experienced a moment of crisis inspiring their song amp8220Five More Minutesamp8221Watch the quotFive More Minutesquot PSA httpsyoutube2kTcuMfKqSoThe amp8220Donamp8217t Wait Reach Outamp8221 campaign is part of VAamp8217s 10year strategy to end Veteran suicide through a comprehensive public health approach combining community prevention and clinical intervention strategies The campaign is also part of the Ad Councilamp8217s Mental Health Initiative a multiyear effort to change social norms and create a society that is more open accepting and proactive when it comes to mental healthSince first launching in October 2021 the campaign has garnered roughly 81 million in donated media support resulting in more than 45 million visits to VAgovREACH a site designed by communications firm Reingold The website also provides social media materials developed by Rigaud Global Company a Veteranowned marketing communications agency that everyone can share to raise awareness about Veteran suicide prevention during September and beyondIf youamp8217re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 247 confidential support You don39t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect To reach responders Dial 988 then Press 1 chat online at VeteransCrisisLinenetChat or text 838255Reporters covering this issue can download VAamp8217s Safe Messaging Best Practices fact sheet or visit wwwReportingOnSuicideorg for important guidance on how to communicate about suicidePosted at MediaVillage through the Thought Leadership selfpublishing platformClick the social buttons to share this story with colleagues and friendsThe opinions expressed here are the author39s views and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillageorgMyersBizNet

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VA and the Ad Council Redefine Bravery in New Suicide Prevention PSAs

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VA and the Ad Council Redefine Bravery in New Suicide Prevention PSAs

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