Legion using university research to improve veteran mental healthcare

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the joint effort to provide scientifically proven training for suicide awareness between Columbia University and the Legion.

The American Legion has joined forces with the Columbia University Lighthouse Project. The award-winning project helps veterans’ families and caretakers avoid possible triggers that could lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts. This is done through instruction using scientifically proven methods developed by university researchers. Through the Legion’s Be The One Campaign, the joint efforts will utilize the project's developed protocols and apply them to virtual and in-person training programs. For more information or to join the training program, please visit the American Legion website.

Stoffer then discussed the Seeds of Hope story from April’s edition of the Legion Magazine. The article shares the story of Guatemalan workers who suffered from the 2018 Fuego volcano erruption. Stoffer discussed the events of the explosion, which included the destruction of 260 buildings in San Miguel. The Legion worked with government officials to provide humanitarian relief efforts to the region, and Stoffer outlined the types of help provided and how it impacted the country.

Finally, Stoffer discussed author Alan Dowd’s article in next month’s Legion Magazine, Lessons from Ukraine. The article outlines the tragic loss of life from the Russia-Ukraine War and how the modern world has changed warfare. Stoffer discussed how artificial intelligence has created a situation where war is fought with computers and not hand-to-hand. This conflict has shown that the modern form of warfare is more deadly per person than the hand-to-hand conflicts previously fought, Stoffer said.  

Hear more from Stoffer by listening to the episode above.