University of Jamestown Partners with North Dakota Cares to Combat Veteran Suicide
JAMESTOWN, ND — The University of Jamestown (UJ) has officially partnered with the Governor’s Challenge to help prevent suicides among veterans and service members. The initiative, facilitated by the North Dakota Cares Program, aims to provide essential support to veterans and their families, addressing the alarming rates of suicide within this population.
During a declaration signing ceremony, UJ President Polly Peterson expressed pride in the university’s commitment to support veterans, stating, "What is happening today in our support of North Dakota Cares is a testament to our dedication to those who have served our country." UJ’s Master of Clinical Counseling Program began this partnership in February, focusing on Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) training. To date, over 100 individuals have been trained, with the program awarding more than 90 continuing education units to professionals such as counselors and social workers.
The Governor’s Challenge emphasizes critical elements such as identifying at-risk individuals, fostering connections, and enhancing safety planning for those in need. In 2025, UJ plans to expand its initiatives to include additional training focused on safety planning, reinforcing its long-term commitment to serve veterans.
Elsie Motter, director of the Master of Clinical Counseling Program, underlined the significance of this partnership, noting that through CALM training, counselors learn to conduct difficult conversations regarding suicide and how to restrict access to lethal means.
Military leaders, including North Dakota Army National Guard Col. Benjamin Cleghorn, praised the collaboration, emphasizing the university’s role as a local resource for veterans in times of crisis. With over 56,000 veterans residing in North Dakota, initiatives like these are crucial in reducing the high suicide rates among them.
For more information on the program, interested individuals can contact the University of Jamestown or the North Dakota Cares Program.
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