The #YouMatter Campaign — A Washington Message of Hope, Connection, and Action Toward Suicide Prevention
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 to End Veteran Suicide, this statewide effort brings together WDVA, the VA, SAMHSA, and community partners to speak with one voice to Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (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: PLAYLIST COMING SOON
At its core, the #YouMatter campaign is about connection — noticing one another, checking in, and making sure every Veteran and military family member knows that support is always within reach and that there is hope. It is not a standalone program. It is the public‑facing identity of ongoing suicide‑prevention work happening across Washington: identifying those who have served, strengthening transitions, and making homes and communities safer.
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 from Washington’s Veteran community and WDVA:
#YouMatter is more than a hashtag. It is the public face of the Washington State Governor’s Challenge to prevent suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. The Challenge has three jobs: identify who has served and screen for risk, keep people connected through transitions, and increase lethal‑means safety and safety planning. WDVA, the VA, SAMHSA, counties, tribes, and community partners are already doing that work. We need every Washingtonian to carry the message.
Today: check on a Veteran. Ask if they or a family member served. Share 988, then press 1. Learn more at dva.wa.gov/sp. #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’s there.
- Reach out to a buddy today — connection saves lives.
- Make a safety plan and consider temporary safe storage during difficult seasons.
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Visit WDVA’s suicide‑prevention resources for trainings and tools.
If you are a partner, employer, clinic, county, tribe, or nonprofit:
- Ask the question: “Have you or a family member ever served?”
- Host a training such as LEARN, S.A.V.E., or lethal‑means safety.
- Share 988 / Press 1 on websites, breakrooms, and event materials.
- Support prevention grants by purchasing the “There Is Hope” license plate emblem.
- 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
Sample Social Media Posts:
Post Option 1 — Hope & Connection
Every Veteran and military 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 or medications 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 through buddy checks, peer support, and warm handoffs during difficult transitions.
- Increase lethal‑means safety — a practical, lifesaving act of care during hard seasons.
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