May 7, 2025

Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Joins Forces with Face the Fight and Objective Zero Foundation to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Families

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Maryland Joins Forces announces partnership to support Maryland’s military-connected community

Annapolis, MD — [May 7, 2025] — The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF),  announced today a groundbreaking partnership with Objective Zero Foundation (Objective Zero) and Face the Fight (Face the Fight) aimed at reducing suicide among service members, veterans, and families (SMVF).  This collaboration reflects a unified commitment to addressing the mental health needs of SMVF populations through evidence-informed interventions, innovative technology, peer support, public-private partnerships, and community-driven solutions.

One of the newest members of DVMF’s Maryland Joins Forces initiative, Objective Zero connects service members, veterans, and their families to peer support and wellness resources through its evidence-based mobile app platform. DVMF is the first state government agency in the nation that serves veterans and military families to officially join Face the Fight.  The agency will work with Objective Zero, also a Face the Fight member and grantee, to raise awareness of their web-based peer support application.

This partnership aligns with Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s commitment to the state’s participation in the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among SMVF and to affirm that no service member, veteran, or family member is left behind. As members of Face the Fight, both DVMF and Objective Zero look forward to working with the Face the Fight coalition to further advance suicide prevention service delivery, expand access to peer support, and build a coordinated system of care that ensures no service member, veteran, military family member, caregiver, or survivor falls through the cracks.

“Maryland is committed to making our state the best place for veterans and military families to live, work, and thrive. But that commitment must include the strongest possible efforts to prevent suicide and promote wellness,” said Tony Woods, Secretary, Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. “By bringing together technology, peer support, and community leadership, this partnership demonstrates Maryland’s holistic approach to saving lives and strengthening families.” “At Objective Zero, we know that connection saves lives. Partnering with organizations like the State of Maryland and Face the Fight allows us to expand our reach and impact, getting veterans, service members, their families, and caregivers the support they deserve, when and where they need it most,” said Betsey Mercado, Executive Director, Objective Zero. “As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to take that first step. Download the Objective Zero App and connect with peer support, wellness tools and resources, and a community that truly understands. Reach out, even if you don’t know where to start.”

 “Suicide prevention is a fight we must all face together. Through Face the Fight, we are investing in expanding access to effective, evidence-based practices that save lives,” said Babs Chase, Executive Director, Face the Fight Coalition and Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Elizabeth Dole Foundation. We are proud to support Maryland’s leadership and collaborate with partners who share our determination to make real, lasting change for those who have served and sacrificed.”

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Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) Through its Maryland Joins Forces initiative, DVMF unites state agencies, private sector leaders, and community organizations to deliver innovative, veteran-centered solutions. Learn more: veterans.maryland.gov/maryland-joins-forces

Objective Zero Foundation Objective Zero connects users to peer supporters and wellness resources through a free, anonymous mobile app, aiming to prevent suicide among service members, veterans, and their families. Learn more: objectivezero.org

Face the Fight Launched in 2023 by founding partners USAA, Reach Resilience, and the Humana Foundation, Face the Fight has made strides by bringing together a like-minded coalition of organizations to help reduce veteran suicide through a multi-pronged approach that includes charitable giving, public education, and awareness. Face the Fight is committed to supporting every veteran, regardless of their unique needs and challenges, and aspires to dramatically reduce veteran suicide. Learn more: wefacethefight.org