Wellcare, the Medicare arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), has teamed up with The American Legion, the largest wartime veterans services organization in the nation, to launch an initiative aimed at preventing veteran suicides. Named the “Be the One” initiative, it aims to raise awareness about available resources for veterans and to combat the stigma that often prevents them from seeking help. Statistics indicate that veterans are 1.5 times more likely to take their own lives, with an average of 17.5 veteran suicides per day according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. In response to the rising rates of veteran suicide, “Be the One” urges friends, family, and colleagues to step up and provide assistance and support to veterans in need, potentially averting crises. The initiative includes educational materials, tools such as a mobile app, and Public Service Announcements.
Michael A. Carson, President and CEO of Wellcare and a U.S. Air Force veteran, expressed pride in partnering with The American Legion on this vital initiative, stressing the importance of open dialogue about mental health challenges faced by veterans. Waco Hoover, Chair of the American Legion’s “Be the One” initiative, highlighted the fulfilling nature of military service alongside the struggles many veterans encounter upon returning from deployment or leaving the service. Hoover emphasized the significance of raising awareness about mental health support for veterans to help save lives.
For those actively seeking to support their loved ones, the “Be the One – Columbia Protocol” mobile app offers geo-targeted crisis resources and guidance, available nationwide. In cases of imminent crisis, individuals can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1 for free, confidential crisis support 24/7.
