FIRE-TEAM TENNESSEE
ABOUT FIRE-TEAM TENNESSEE
Using the concept of military fire-teams, our goal is to institute community-based teams in every area of Tennessee. Members of FIRE-TEAM TENNESSEE will represent Rocky Top Veterans Foundation and FIRE-TEAM TENNESSEE as strong, self-led members that have the ability to encourage other to take part and join our cause to end Veteran suicide.
Our member will be trained in Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR), a suicide prevention initiative that teaches members how to apply the QPR techniques needed to possibly save a life in a practical, proven way.
Members will be knowledgeable with organizations, facilities, and hospitals in their community and region to ensure the Veteran receives the proper care in a timely manner.
REALITITES
- There are over 6000 Veteran suicides each year.
- Veterans die by suicide at a rate 1.5 times higher than civilians.
- Despite federal investment in mental health, the numbers continue to rise.
OUR MISSION
FIRE-TEAM TENNESSEE is Rocky Top Veterans Foundation fight to end Veteran suicide.
We are a life-saving network of community members and organizations trained to identify the warning signs, question, and provide assistance to Veterans in crisis and direct those Veterans to the help they need.
VETERAN SAFE PLACE
"Veteran Safe Place" is a program designed for businesses and organizations to to show their support and help eliminate Veteran suicide throughout Tennessee. The "Veteran Safe Place" is designed exclusively for businesses and organizations to educate, train, and empower their employees to identify and support a Veteran in crisis.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
- Educates your staff on the challenges Veterans face.
- Provides your business's support to the Veteran community.
- Help aid in reducing Veteran suicide.
- Business recognition on FIRE-TEAM TENNESSEE social media database.
WHO CAN BE A MEMBER
Anyone can be a member. You do not have to be a current or past member of the Armed Forces. All community members that share the patriotism and love of our communities and country are welcome. We only require the desire to help Veterans and end Veteran suicide.
VETERAN SAFE PLACE REQUIREMENTS
- 50% of your staff or 50 people (whichever is less) are required to become certified in Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR).
- Veteran Safe Place window decal must be displayed on store front for all Veterans to recognize.
- A training facilitator will be provided to conduct the 3-hour QPR training.
- The training is completely free.
HOW TO BE A MEMBER
To be a member of FIRE-TEAM TENNESSEE, we ask that you attend the free three-hour QPR training session provided by Rocky Top Veterans Foundation and review the resources available to Veterans. After you have been training to recognize the warning signs of a Veteran in crisis, and know the available resources, we ask you to attend at least three Veteran events a year and stand vigilant over our nation's heroes.
We are not asking you to be a counselor. We are asking you to be a connector.
If you encounter a Veteran in crisis, call 911 or the Veterans Crisis Hotline at 988.
This will be the first program of this kind in our state and its success is dependent on your participation. We have over 390,000 Veterans in Tennessee. They are family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. They are the heroes who have risked their lives to protect our country. Join our network of community volunteers looking out for our Veterans. The cost is free.
CONTACT US!
(865) 659-1001