Real Veterans Real Stories Sue Fabeck Suicide Prevention Coordinator U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Make the Connection – About the Campaign  One-stop online resource to privately explore mental health topics  400+ unscripted stories of Veterans who faced challenges and took steps that improved their lives  Optional filters for visitors to personalize content and easily find stories similar to their own  Resource locators to easily find national and local support

At MakeTheConnection.net, Veterans and members of their support networks can: Learn, in plain language, about topics and solutions relevant to their experiences Locate resources, programs, and services near them Listen to powerful video testimonials from Veterans and their family members -- - A Resource for Veterans

 Easily find Veterans’ stories relevant to their own experiences  Dynamically sort videos: Gender, era, branch, and exposure to combat Life events and experiences Signs and symptoms Conditions Hosting hundreds of videos on experiences relevant to Veterans, visitors can: The Power of Veterans’ Stories

Veterans Can Find Information Relevant to Them MakeTheConnection.net has multiple user-friendly points of entry that include nonclinical options. Life events and experiences Transitioning from service Financial and legal issues Family and relationship challenges Signs and symptoms Alcohol and drug problems Flashbacks Anger and irritability Feeling on edge Conditions (mental & physical health) PTSD Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Military sexual trauma (MST) Depression Suicide …and much more.

Resources: Benefiting Veterans and the Community An easy-to-use resource locator helps Veterans—and those looking to assist them—find local assistance for challenges ranging from transitioning from service to trouble sleeping to depression to PTSD. National Search Local Results

MakeTheConnection.net Mobile Going mobile allowed MakeTheConnection.net to become universally accessible, while maintaining its dynamic and engaging features. Filter Video Gallery Resource Locator

Encouraging Veterans to Make the Connection Website: 4.6 million visits* Facebook: 2.2 million Facebook fans* YouTube: 8.1 million video views* Connecting with the Veteran community online via the web, Facebook and YouTube. *data current as of April 2014

Encouraging Veterans to Make the Connection Recommend Make the Connection as a resource to Veterans and their families Download materials to share from: MakeTheConnection.net/Resources/Spread-The-Word Include the campaign in community or professional presentations Actively use these real Veterans’ stories in your interactions with Veterans /VeteransMTC /+VeteransMTC

VA SUICIDE PREVENTION OVERVIEW March 2014

VA’s integrated approach to suicide prevention Ready access to quality care

Fr ee, confidential support 24/7/365 Veterans Family members Friends Service members

Veterans Crisis Line: 6 years of saving lives

Trained responders are standing by

Suicide Prevention Coordinators

Connecting with Veterans and their families through outreach

Brochures and Posters Table Tents Tote Bags Coaster Phone Sticker Kickstand Pads Bracelet Wallet Card Magnets Campaign materials

VeteransCrisisLine.net/SpreadTheWord

VeteransCrisisLine.net/ResourceLocator