Guests from StackUp chat with #SPSM about the use of gaming and gaming communities to improve mental wellness in Veterans, 2/18/18, 9pCT.

December 2016, StackUp announced the launch of a suicide prevention effort: The StackUp Overwatch Program (StOP). This is a volunteer effort to ensure there are StackUp gamers who are ready, 24/7/365, with some gatekeeper training, to provide support to other StackUp community members in crisis. Volunteers can apply on-line here.

StackUp has a several core efforts related to mental health, such deploying “supply crates” of video games and nerd swag to troops. And, of course, a 24/7 livestream on Twitch, which is one of the social media trends you’ll be hearing more about this year.

StackUp believes that both the act of gaming, and the social connections between gamers can help Veterans recover their mental health. They are also interested in building a suicide safer digital community.

Watch us LIVE here:

Stephanie “BettiePageGaming” Owens has been heavily involved in the online gaming community for well over 10 years. She has created and managed several gaming communities, hosted gaming tournaments and written many articles. She currently serves as Stack Up’s Executive Administrator and Director of the Stacks and StOP Program’s and also the Stack Co-Leader for Hazlet, NJ.

Stephanie became involved with Stack Up because of her love for community service, video gaming, and her forefathers service to our country dating back to the American Revolution. Stephanie was an EMT for many years, serving her local community in New Jersey. She is certified in several areas of Veteran service related issues such as PTSD, Suicide in the Military, Veterans Affairs and Military Culture.

Stephanie’s knowledge of veterans issues, social media, community engagement, community building and volunteering are just a few of the things she brings to the table to further Stack Up’s mission supporting the next great generation of veterans.