Be the One training session led by the Columbia Lighthouse Project at the Marriott East in Indianapolis on Thursday, April 4. (Photo: Hilary Ott /The American Legion)
The American Legion will host a special Be the One Symposium during its upcoming national convention, centering on a critical issue facing Veterans today — mental health, with a particular focus on suicide prevention.
This second annual Be the One Symposium is scheduled for August 22 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, running from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. While the event is free, attendees can review the schedule and register to secure a spot. Sessions will be recorded and available later for those unable to attend in person.
Launched in 2021, The American Legion’s Be the One platform aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental-health treatment, encourage Veterans to seek help, and foster open dialogue on this critical issue.
Amy Forsythe, a Navy reservist and American Legion member, will serve as the emcee for the symposium. She also hosts the monthly American Legion Be the One podcast.
The event will bring together leading experts and organizations to explore solutions to the suicide epidemic through health-care delivery, mental health, technology, AI, and suicide prevention.
Notable participants include:
- Dr. Kelly Posner, founder and director of The Columbia Lighthouse Project at Columbia University, who leads an initiative that has proven effective in teaching people how to respond when someone is at risk of suicide.
- Kevin Hines, a best-selling author, public speaker, and award-winning documentary filmmaker, who survived a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Marine Corps Veteran Chris Earl, founder and CEO of Regiment Gaming, who will discuss the role of gaming in combating Veteran suicide.
- Bill Brassard, Senior Director of Communications at the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Patrick Bertagna, CEO of Gunalert, who will address firearms safety.
- Dr. David Rudd, a pioneering researcher in Veteran mental health and PTSD treatment, and former president and distinguished professor of Psychology at the University of Memphis.
- Rajeev Ramchand, co-director of the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute, Senior Behavioral Scientist, and Professor of Policy Analysis at the Pardee RAND Graduate School.
Please note that the schedule may be subject to change.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.