The #YouMatter Campaign: A Washington Message of Hope, Connection, and Action Toward Suicide Prevention
Washington’s #YouMatter campaign carries a message that is both simple and deeply powerful: your life has value, you are not alone, and There Is Hope. Created by the Washington State Governor’s Challenge Prevent Suicide Among Service Member, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF), this statewide effort brings together Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and community partners to speak with one voice on behalf of SMVF.
Several partners, including former Seattle Seahawks player, Doug Baldwin, have joined to create short video reminders for anyone dealing with suicide, to remind them that #ThereIsHope and #YouMatter. Check out those videos on our YouTube playlist and please help spread the message:
At its core, the #YouMatter campaign is about connection: noticing one another, checking in, and making sure every Veteran and family member knows that support is always within reach and that there is hope. It is not a standalone program, one-time occurrence: it is a public‑facing identity of ongoing suicide‑prevention work happening across Washington by: identifying those who have served, strengthening transitions, and making homes and communities safer by mitigating access to lethal means.
Every partner, agency, employer, and neighbor has a role in carrying this message. When we speak together, we make it easier for someone to reach out and easier for someone to hear that There Is Hope and that #YouMatter.
Ways to Get Involved
Share these messages for Washington’s Veteran community:
#YouMatter is more than a hashtag. It is a message for Washington state that has three important roles: identify who has served and screen for risk, keep people connected through transitions, and increase lethal means safety and safety planning. We are already doing the work and we need every Washingtonian to carry the message with us.
Today: check on a Veteran. Ask if they or a family member served. Share the 988 Crisis Line and, then press 1 to be connected to the Veterans Crisis Line. Learn more about available resources at dva.wa.gov/spam. Enjoy social media and posting? Share your story, pictures, and messages of hope by using hashtags: #YouMatter #GovernorsChallenge #WDVA #BeThere #Strength2Rise #VeteransSupport #988Lifeline
What Washington Can Do Together
If you are a Service Member, Veteran, or Family Member:
- Save 988 / Press 1 in your phone and tell someone you trust it is there 24/7 and is confidential.
- Reach out to a buddy today-connection saves lives.
- Make a safety plan and consider temporary safe storage during challenging times and help those secure these items if they are in crisis.
- Visit WDVA’s suicide prevention resources for no-cost trainings and tools.
If you are a partner, employer, clinic, county, tribe, or nonprofit organization:
- Ask the question: “Have you or a family member ever served?”
- Host a suicide prevention training such as LEARN, S.A.V.E., or lethal means safety.
- Share 988 / Press 1 on websites, breakrooms, and event materials.
- Support our state’s Veteran community-based suicide prevention grant fund by purchasing the 988 “There Is Hope” license plate emblem through Washington State Department of Licensing
- Share this PSA and tag WDVA and local partners.
If You Need Help Right Now
You are not alone. Confidential support is available 24/7. Dial 988, then Press 1 | Text 838255 | Chat at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net if you are a Service Member or Veteran or calling on behalf of one.
Sample Social Media Posts:
Post Option 1: Hope and Connection
Every Veteran and family member deserves to hear it clearly: your life has value, you are not alone, and support is always within reach. #YouMatter and #ThereIsHope.
Post Option 2: Buddy Check Call‑to‑Action
Take a moment today to check on a Veteran. A simple text or call can make a real difference. #YouMatter and #ThereIsHope.
Post Option 3: Governor’s Challenge Message
Washington’s Governor’s Challenge is working to identify who has served, strengthen transitions, and promote safety. Join us in carrying the message: #YouMatter and #ThereIsHope.
Post Option 4: Crisis Support Reminder
If you’re struggling, confidential help is available 24/7. You are not alone. #YouMatter and #ThereIsHope.
Post Option 5: Lethal Means Safety
Temporary safe storage of firearms, medications, or items that can cause harm (i.e. knives, ligatures, etc.) during a hard season is an act of care. Protecting yourself and others is strength. #YouMatter and #ThereIsHope.
Post Option 6: Community Engagement
Ask someone today if they or a family member ever served. That one question opens the door to support. #YouMatter and #ThereIsHope.
Post Option 7: What the Campaign Represents
This campaign is Washington’s message of connection, hope, and action for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. #YouMatter and #ThereIsHope.
Post Option 8: Share the Lifeline
Sharing 988 (Press 1) could save a life. Spread the word. #YouMatter and #ThereIsHope.
About the Governor’s Challenge
The Governor’s Challenge focuses on three priorities:
- Identify SMVF and screen for suicide risk; Asking “Have you or a family member ever served?” opens the door to support.
- Promote connectedness and improve care transitions through buddy checks, peer support, and warm handoffs during difficult transitions, especially those who are or recently left military service.
- Increase lethal means safety and safety planning: a practical, lifesaving act of care during hard seasons.
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