governor's challenge
To Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
WHAT IS THE GOVERNOR'S CHALLENGE?
The Governor’s Challenge is a state team-led initiative to prevent suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Arkansas’s Governor’s Challenge leadership team includes a representee from the federal VA, Arkansas Dept of Veterans Affairs, Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services, Arkansas National Guard, and Camp Alliance. Federal, state, and private-sector partners working together to improve suicide prevention infrastructure and strengthen access to support.
The Arkansas Governor’s Challenge focuses on building a statewide culture of connection, support, and prevention by helping communities identify Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) early, strengthen protective factors, improve access to resources and care, and support long-term well-being.
MISSION
To create a statewide culture of connection, support, and prevention that identifies and engages Service Members, Veterans, and their Families early, strengthens protective factors, improves access to resources, care, and opportunities, and empowers communities to reduce suicide and promote well-being.
VISION
An Arkansas where communities come together to ensure connection is the norm, support is within reach, and every Service Member, Veteran, and Family can live healthy, purposeful, and fulfilling lives.
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The Arkansas Governor’s Challenge team is planning the 988 Veterans Governor’s Challenge event on September 8, also known as 9/8 Day.
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Empowering
Local Communities
to Take Action
Suicide prevention requires a coordinated, community-wide response. The Arkansas Governor’s Challenge Community Toolkit gives local leaders, first responders, healthcare systems, and veteran organizations the practical tools to save lives.
STARTING WITH community prevention and TRUE connection
CORE GOVERNOR’S CHALLENGE PRIORITIES
The Arkansas Governor’s Challenge is focused on the following priorities:
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Promoting connectedness among Service Members, Veterans, Families, and communities.
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Improving transitions and access to care.
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Increasing training and awareness for community partners.
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Supporting safety planning and suicide prevention best practices.
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Identifying Service Members, Veterans, and their Families earlier.
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Screening for suicide risk and connecting individuals to appropriate resources.
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Strengthening local referral pathways and community-based support.