Trigger warning: PTSD and service related suicide discussion.
Marc Cavelli and Matthew Currin introduce Joint Task Force 22 to Zero to the Convene Communities platform.
The inception of this organization resulted directly from Marc’s own experiences and his desire to share his story for the betterment of others just like him. After a 14 year career in the US Army, he (like countless others) was forced to transition into the civilian world. What followed was an extremely difficult uphill battle to find normalcy in a reality without the ‘security blanket’ that the military provided. That battle nearly cost him his life. What started out as a one-time 22 mile hump to raise awareness, ultimately spawned a liberating non-profit organization.
Today, Joint Task Force 22 to Zero unites current and former members of the US Armed Forces, Law Enforcement and First Responders to educate them on the impacts of PTSD and service related suicide. Their mission is to empower those in need to seek assistance in order to conquer these challenges and improve their quality of life – and in some cases, to preserve it.
The Vision of JTF 22 to Zero is to build and sustain a culture that neutralizes the stigma of behavioral health challenges and eliminates the incidences of service related suicide among a unified Military, Law Enforcement and Safety Services community. On average, 22 members of this community commit suicide per day in the United States – JTF 22 to Zero seeks to take that number to zero.
JTF 22 to Zero is a confidential ear and voice for those in crisis, and a conduit to professional resources.
They do their work via social media and one on one encounters. JTF participates in, and hosts events intended to raise awareness of behavioral health challenges, and offer an outlet to those who choose to open up for help. Many people have been in that dark place and found a means to turn away from it. Additionally, many service members have been impacted by the tragic reality of suicide. Marc, his affiliates and other current and former service members feel compelled to act. At JTF 22 to Zero, their most important message is that it takes more courage to seek help than to continually internalize and suppress those feelings of depression, guilt, and self loathing. REMEMBER, you never walk alone. Here at Convene Communities, we provide a confidential outlet for those who may not trust the system, and recognize the desire to maintain confidentiality .They empower others to seek assistance and/or take action.
Learn more about JTF 22 to Zero and who they support.
[30:00] Matt and Marc discuss how they are going to connect to veterans and first responders using Convene.
Join the JFT 22 to Zero Community