22Kill is a suicide prevention non-profit organization that predominantly focuses on preventing United States military veterans and first responders from committing suicide.[1][2] It is composed of multiple programs that were created through partnerships with other non-profit organizations such as Carry The Load.[3][4] The organization uses the motto "One Tribe, One Fight", which reflects on the collective partnerships' goal to prevent veteran and first responder suicide and help veterans and first responders cope with issues that may lead to suicide.[5] The organization's name was chosen to reflect on a 2012 statistic from the Veterans Affairs office, which stated that 22 veterans commit suicide on a daily basis.[5] 22Kill raises awareness and empowers service member and first responder families through multiple traditional and non-traditional programs (Stay The Course, Forge, Wind Therapy, and W.A.T.C.H.). Members of "The Tribe" wear a black honor ring on their index finger as a solemn reminder of the mission of combating suicide and empowering heroes, both past and present.[6][7]

History

Beginning as a social media campaign, 22Kill officially became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in July 2015. In 2016, 22Kill's #22pushupchallenge went viral on social media and raised over half a million dollars. In 2017, the organization began offering mental wellness programs such as Stay The Course, Tribal Council, Forge, Wind Therapy, WATCH, and White Star Families.[8] Today, the efforts of 22Kill are supported by the United Way of Tarrant County, the Perot Foundation, the Thomas M., Helen and John P. Ryan Foundation, Bell, and the Texas Veterans Commission Fund.[9]

References

  1. ↑ Ockerbloom, Mark (2016-07-08). "22Kill: Local organization looks to stop veteran suicides". WFXT. Retrieved 2017-06-02.
  2. ↑ "Air Force warns airmen on '22Kill' push-up challenge for suicidal vets: 'I'm dumbfounded'". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2017-06-02.
  3. ↑ "22Kill Working To Raise Awareness About Veteran Suicide". CBS. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 2017-06-02.
  4. ↑ Reece, Kevin (May 26, 2017). "22 Kill: Demons to slay, and soldiers to save". WFAA. Retrieved 2017-06-02.
  5. 1 2 Lamothe, Dan (September 16, 2014). "Inside #22Kill, a star-studded campaign to fight veteran suicide". Washington Post. Retrieved 2017-06-02.
  6. ↑ Anderson, Jon (May 3, 2016). "'#22KILL' pushup videos are part of the fight against veteran suicide". Military Times. Retrieved 2017-06-02.
  7. ↑ SAVVAS, LAURA (27 June 2016). "Hero British amputee soldiers in amazing #22kill push-up challenge to combat military suicide". Mirror. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  8. ↑ "Mission and History - 22KILL Organization". 22Kill. Retrieved 2019-10-07.
  9. ↑ "Get Involved - Volunteering - 22KILL Organization". 22Kill. Retrieved 2020-04-22.


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