HELENA -- The Lewis & Clark Suicide Prevention Coalition and Montana Joining Community Forces have teamed up for the Military Strong Campaign.
With 11% of the population in Lewis and Clark County being affiliated with any of the branches in the military, the campaign is focused on teaching local organizations and businesses about military culture, and how to spot signs and help those with a mental health condition as a result of their time in the service.
"We want to make sure that everyone is taken care of. That our military community feels like they have the Lewis and Clark County community's arms wrapped around them," said Jess Hegstrom, program coordinator.
The program is a 90-minute training that local organizations and businesses can take part in that shows how they can help veterans, active military, reservists, and military spouses who are both facing mental health challenges, as well as challenges in their daily lives.
"They want them to feel supported in the work that they do. So that they can live positive lives, where if a mental health challenge does come up, that they know how to deal with it, that the people around them know that too," said Hegstrom.
To anyone considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, and dial '1' for the Veterans Crisis Line. Click here to learn more about the Military Strong Campaign .