Have you seen the email? Maybe it was a post on Facebook?

It says, “Right now, while you’re reading this … put this in your phone. National Veterans Crisis Line, 800-273-8255. You never know when you or a Veteran you know might need some help, right now.  Now you have a number that can help.”   And put a note with the number — when you call the number, press 1 to be connected to responders who work with Veterans.

As this September and Suicide Prevention Month come to a close, make sure you have the tools you need when someone you know needs help. You don’t need to make a grand gesture: A simple act of kindness shows you care.

If you are worried about Veterans who may be at risk for suicide, here’s what you can do to help connect them with treatment and support:

  • If you are concerned that a Veteran is in crisis or at immediate risk for suicide, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. Caring, qualified VA responders can help you determine ways to keep someone safe and connect the Veteran you care about with support.
  • If you notice that a Veteran is going through a difficult time and aren’t sure how to start a conversation or how to connect them with support, contact VA’s Coaching into Care program. Call 1-888-823-7458 to connect with a licensed clinical social worker or psychologist who can help you figure out how to help motivate someone to get support.
  • Visit VeteransCrisisLine.net/BeThere to learn how you and others in your community can Be There to prevent suicide, and download materials you can share at VeteransCrisisLine.net/SpreadTheWord.

But right now … put the number in your phone.  Share the message that a Veteran in crisis, or at immediate risk for suicide, is one phone call away from caring, qualified responders. Have them call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to speak with them.

 

Topics in this story

#BeThereSuicide PreventionSuicide Prevention MonthVeterans Crisis Line

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2 Comments

  1. Dennis Wilson September 30, 2017 at 03:26

    I just found out today that the VA is cutting back on their program that helps veterans with a few things around the house. my doctor was the one that got it started for me when my wife was in a rehab center after they worked on her shoulder and now her other shoulder needs an operation and my feet have bad neoropothy in my feet and if i’m on my feet more than 5 minutes I’m down for the rest to the day. I want to help others as much if not more than I have been helped and the one who comes does the dishes cleans the bathroom and vacuums the hallway and front room you wouldn’t believe how much that helps us get along from day to day and they come 2 times a week and are there for about 30 minutes I wish I knew what I could do to keep getting the help that I need.

  2. CONCERNED VETERAN September 25, 2017 at 16:38

    To whom it may read this call your Representative and your Senators asked them to contact the Veteran Affairs Committee passed a New Veteran Disabled Benefit Law who is collected 100 percent service connected definitely need to have G4implants from a Cosmetic Dentistry Dentist because their is not one works for a Veteran Medical Center plus their isn’t not one has a contract with Veteran Affairs Admistratation for free

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