Stack Up is pleased to announce the Stack Up Overwatch Program (STOP) An initiative to bring awareness to suicide prevention and promote positive mental health.
The Stack Up Overwatch Program (STOP) began development in December of 2016 when Stacks Program Director Stephanie Owens suggested that Stack Up needed to have something in place for our members who need someone to talk to, especially around the holidays. “The holidays can be a difficult time for many and we want our community to know that they are not alone.”, said Ms. Owens.
In accordance with Stack Up’s mission of bringing comfort and friendship to veterans coping with PTSD or transitioning back into civilian life, the Stack Up Overwatch Program consists of veteran and civilian volunteers called the STOP Squad who will be available 24/7/365. They will provide members of the Stack Up community with a variety of resources that promote mental health and suicide prevention, as well as provide a shoulder to lean on should they need someone to talk to.
Through our partnership with PsychArmor Institute, applicants to the program will be put through a set of pre-selected courses. Upon completion, applicants will receive a practical evaluation on how they handle themselves in a crisis. Once they have passed muster they will be given a position as a STOP Squad Member. They will also be required to attend HIPAA training.
Stephen Machuga, CEO and Founder of Stack Up said, “Our STOP Squad has already been talking with several at-risk individuals within our community struggling with the holidays; I can already see that STOP will be a critical piece of Stack Up’s mission of supporting veterans with gaming.”
The program is led by Elvis Walden, Assistant Stack Director and leader of the Austin TX Stack; Rob Trepiccione, Stack leader for Raleigh NC and Therapeutic Advisor Mat Bergendahl, MS, NCC, LPC.
Anyone who is a member of our community can apply to volunteer. Previous certifications in HIPAA, ASIST, QPR Gatekeeper, or similar crisis management background whether obtained through the military, law enforcement or EMS is preferred, but not required. Interested parties may apply here.
For more information, please join our Discord at discord.gg/stackupdotorg to talk with one of the STOP Squad members.
Services offered by Stack Up or the members of the STOP Squad are intended to advocate and educate and should not be construed as a medical or psychiatric consultation.
About Stack Up:
Founded in 2015, Stack-Up (TAX ID: 47-5424265) brings both veterans and civilian supporters together through a shared love of video gaming. Stack-Up serves United States, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and NATO veterans through three primary programs: The Stacks, Supply Crates, and Air Assaults. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@stackupdotorg).
About PsychArmor Institute:
PsychArmor Institute is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit providing free education and support to all Americans who work, live, or care for military veterans and their families. PsychArmor recruits nationally recognized subject matter experts to create and deliver online courses on issues related to veterans and their families. In addition, our “Helping You Help Veterans” support line provides continual assistance and vetted resources to civilians, ensuring they are armed with the tools needed to effectively assist military veterans and their families. For more information about PsychArmor, follow them on
Facebook and Twitter (@PsychArmor), or visit PsychArmor.org.
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