Launched in 2017, Be Connected is a comprehensive direct-service and education program empowering all Arizona citizens in and around veteran communities to enrich the lives of others.

Through three components – call, match, and learn – the program works toward the following goals:

• Reduce deaths by suicide in Arizona’s population of service members and veterans.
• Build upon existing capacity and strengths within the service systems, adding a new layer of coordination and support.
• Demonstrate effectiveness and develop a sustainability plan that builds program components into systems and funding.

Be Connected is implemented on behalf of the military and veteran community in partnership with public and private sector stakeholders. The Leadership Partners represent different sectors (military, government, and community) and work closely together to build upon existing community strengths to create the most effective program possible. The participation of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs includes the Phoenix VA Health Care System, the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System, and the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System.

The program was created in coordination with the Office of the late Senator John McCain. He and his team were instrumental in having Arizona designated as a pilot program site under the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which established the foundation upon which Be Connected was built.