The "Be the One" initiative raises awareness
of resources available to support veterans
The initiative also focuses on education and
seeks to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health
services
TAMPA,
Fla., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wellcare, the
Medicare business of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) and the
American Legion, the nation's largest wartime veterans services
organization, launched a veteran suicide prevention initiative. The
"Be the One" initiative raises awareness of the resources available
to help veterans and seeks to reduce the stigma that keeps many
veterans from seeking care. Research shows that America's veterans
are 1.5 times more likely to commit suicide and, according to
Department of Veterans Affairs, on average, 17.5 veterans die each
day from suicide. With veteran suicide rates continuing to rise,
"Be the One" calls upon friends, family members and colleagues to
be the one – to offer assistance and resources to veterans
in need and prevent a potential crisis situation. The initiative
includes educational resources, tools like a mobile app and Public
Service Announcements.
"We are proud to partner with The American Legion on this
critically important initiative in support of our nation's
veterans. The "Be the One" initiative encourages us to talk openly
and boldly about the mental health challenges affecting veterans,"
said President and Chief Executive Officer of Wellcare and U.S. Air
Force veteran, Michael A. Carson.
"It is important to acknowledge that many veterans struggle to cope
with life after deployment or service. By working together, we can
help ensure that veterans receive the care and support they need to
lead healthy and fulfilling lives."
"Military service is one of the most fulfilling experiences
that affords veterans unparalleled skills and a
community that lasts a lifetime. As a veteran and member
of the American Legion, I know how rewarding service can be, as
well as the struggles that many of our servicemen and women
face when returning from deployment or separating from service.
That's why I'm proud to be a part of this partnership with Wellcare
to raise awareness about the importance of mental health support
for veterans, and help save our brothers and sisters," said
American Legion "Be the One" Chair Waco Hoover.
For those that are actively looking to 'be the one' for their
loved ones, "Be the One – Columbia Protocol" is a mobile
application that can provide users with geo-targeted crisis
resources and guides and is available nationwide. If someone you
know is in imminent crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988
and press 1 for free, 24/7 access to confidential crisis
support.
For more information about the "Be the One" initiative, please
visit https://www.legion.org/betheone.
About Wellcare
For more than 20 years, Wellcare has offered a range of
Medicare products, including Medicare Advantage and Medicare
Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), which offer affordable coverage
beyond Original Medicare. Wellcare is the Medicare brand of Centene
Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to
transforming the health of the community, one person at a time.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, Centene's
Medicare brands, including Allwell, Health Net, Fidelis Care, Trillium Advantage, 'Ohana Health
Plan, and TexanPlus transitioned to the Wellcare brand. For more
information about Wellcare, visit www.wellcare.com.
About The American Legion
The American Legion is
the nation's largest veteran's organization, comprised of roughly
1.6 million members in roughly 12,000 posts across the country.
Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion has spent over
100 years creating a community of servicemembers and veterans to
strength the United States of
America.
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SOURCE Wellcare