Stand with Upstate Circle of Friends VetForward Connects on September 6.

Help us host a Suicide Prevention Training in Greenville at Upstate Circle of Friends for up to 100. It offers 5 hours of licensed professional credit, plus continental breakfast and lunch.

VetForward, a flagship program of Upstate Circle of Friends, is dedicated to helping veterans and their families build strong, stable, and fulfilling lives after service. Through support in housing, mental health, career development, financial literacy, and community connection, VetForward ensures veterans feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

But there’s a challenge we cannot ignore:
In 2023, the U.S. lost more than 49,000 people to suicide. Veterans die by suicide at a rate 1.5 times higher than the general population. To bring it closer to home, here in South Carolina, the CDC reports South Carolina’s 2023 suicide rate at ~15.2 per 100,000, with 818 deaths, and even closer to home, Greenville County's 2023 suicide rate is 16 per 100,000, with 90 deaths.

Often, the difference between life and loss is whether someone nearby knows what to do, who to call, and where to send them. That’s why this Suicide Prevention Referral Training on Saturday, September 6, 2025 is so important.
This is about giving you the skills to:

Recognize when someone may be at risk
Start a compassionate, safe conversation
Connect them to the right professional or crisis resource
Understand the unique challenges veterans, police officers, firefighters, and other service-related individuals face, including the stigma around seeking help

When more people know how to guide someone in crisis to life-saving support, our community becomes safer for everyone.

On September 6th, you can be part of the solution. Be a Sponsor. Attend the Training. Refer others.

Suicide Prevention Sponsorships

By Upstate Circle of Friends

Suicide Prevention Sponsorships

Keep this class free, full, and effective—Be a sponsor.