On July 16, 2022, the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) launched Dial 988 then Press 1 as a part of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act. This new, easy-to-remember number allows Veterans, service members and their loved ones to quickly connect with caring, qualified responders and access lifesaving support… any time, any place.
988 is a key part of President Biden’s comprehensive strategy to address the nation’s mental health crisis and, to date, the Biden-Harris administration has invested nearly $993 billion into this life-saving initiative.
Dial 988 then Press 1 is working
Since the launch, the Veterans Crisis Line staff have fielded nearly one-million contacts. This includes over 750,000 calls—an increase of 12.5% from the same timeframe from the previous year and with an average speed to answer of 9.37 seconds.
In addition, there was a year-over-year increase in text messages (45%) and online chats received (8.6%). This increase in contacts is evidence that the hotline is working: Veterans in crisis are getting the help they need at the moment they need it.
To prepare for and to continue to support this growing demand, VCL bolstered its workforce by adding over 900 new employees. This includes responders, supervisors, peer support specialists and other support staff.
Moving forward, VA will continue to aggressively promote Dial 988 then Press 1 to ensure Veterans and their families know that VA is here for them 24/7 and ready to connect them with caring, qualified responders.
Partners make the project possible
This multi-year project was made possible through extensive collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association.
VA also partners with numerous organizations at the national and local levels—including the Department of Defense, community mental health providers and Veterans Service Organizations—to raise awareness of VA’s suicide prevention resources, educate people on how to recognize signs of crisis and expand local resources available to Veterans.
You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference
To help spread the word about Dial 988 then Press 1, visit Spread the Word (veteranscrisisline.net) for downloadable resources and information.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
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The VCL must have a great public relations team. I have never seen so much garbage in one short story. In the past six months I have heard of two veterans who committed suicide after talking to the crisis line and had the police called on them. When is the crisis line going to get real trained responders who can talk to veterans and know how to help them instead of just calling the police on them. I have had the police called one me three times after I said I was okay. I will not call again.