Donations from last year's activities and donations from participants were earmarked for education and training for the public in 2026-2027. 

Because of those donations, we are able to offer the following events at no cost in 2026.

Our profound thanks to our donors!

 

• June 27:  Understanding and Raising Awareness about PTSD:  A Community Session for Families, Friends, and Colleagues at 11:00 am at NM Kishwaukee Health and Wellness Center Auditorium.  626 Bethany Road, DeKalb.  Content will include causes, symptoms, methods on how to support someone with PTSD, and evidence-based resources and treatments available.  This will be held on National PTSD Screening Day.  It will help people reach out to someone they might know who struggles with PTSD and let them know that they are not alone and share information about treatment modalities that are available and effective. 

 SIGN UP NOW!

 

• July 15:  VA S.A.V.E. Training (offered twice this day at 11:00 am and 6:00 pm) at NM Kishwaukee Health and Wellness Center Auditorium.  626 Bethany Road, DeKalb.  This session will focus on 4-steps that allow you to help a veteran in crisis.  The acronym S.A.V.E. provides a helpful way to remember the step-by-step instructions to help prevent veteran suicide.

 

• August 1:  VA S.A.V.E. Training (as above) at 11:00 am at the Genoa Veterans Home, followed by a Veteran's Fair.  Address is 311 S. Washington St. Genoa, IL.

 

• September 20:  VA S.A.V.E. Training (as above) at Noon (following the 3rd Annuial Be the One Walk) at NM Kishwaukee Health and Wellness Center Auditorium 626 Bethany Road, DeKalb.

 

IN DEVELOPMENT....STAY TUNED!

• October, 2026:  Date TBD
  • Columbia University Training Protocol - Train the Trainer Program (25-30 Trainees)  As part of the American legion "Be the One" mission to end veteran suicide, the American Legion has joined forces with Columbia University to develop training for those who want to learn more about interacting and responding with veterans (and others) who may be in crisis.  In an effort to build capacity within our own system, we will invite 20-30 trainees  to a 2-day training opportunity, and they will serve as a foundation moving forward to provide Columbia Suicide Prevention Protocol Training to multiple people and organizations moving forward in DeKalb County and beyond in Northern Illinois.  This is part of a spread strategy to build capacity across multiple communities.

 

• • Columbia University Training Protocol for Suicide Prevention (Up to 300 people)  On the same weekend as the Train the Trainer Program, the master trainers from Columbia will provide a 90-minute training program for our veterans and family members, healthcare professions, first responders, and the general public in the use of the protocols.  This is a unique in-person experience with the trainers from Columbia University.  After the training, participants will be able to:  determine at-risk individuals, identify risk factors and warning signs, outline behaviors that indicate imminent risk, and communicate effectively with an individual who may be at risk of hurting themselves.