How can you support the Veterans in your life? By performing even small actions that show you care, you can make a big difference for a Veteran who is going through a difficult time.
VA, in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, is promoting its “Be There for Veterans” public service announcement (PSA) as part of VA’s larger #BeThere (BeThereForVeterans.com) campaign. In the video, which is narrated by actor and filmmaker Tom Hanks, VA issues an urgent call to action: to support our nation’s Veterans and reach out to Veterans who may be in need.
“This PSA underscores VA’s public health approach to preventing Veteran suicide, which encourages everyone to play a role in suicide prevention,” said Aaron Eagan, deputy director of operations and integration for suicide prevention in VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. “The ‘Be There’ campaign is focused on simple yet impactful ways we can all reach out to and engage Veterans.”
Talking with a Veteran about mental health or suicide risk may be challenging, but it is important. The #BeThere campaign stresses the importance of having an open conversation with people when they’re going through a difficult time. Taking the time to send an email or text or make a phone call can make a big difference — and could even help save a life.
The PSA is being highlighted between Independence Day and Veterans Day 2019, a period that also includes Suicide Prevention Month in September.
Watch the PSA online and share it with your families and friends. Together, we can build caring communities and let Veterans and their families know that there’s strength in seeking out support whenever it’s needed.
The health and well-being of our nation’s Veterans and former service members is VA’s highest priority. Guided by data and research, VA is working with partners, Veterans’ family members and friends, and the community to ensure that Veterans and former service members get the right care whenever they need it. To learn about the resources available for Veterans and how you can Be There as a VA employee, family member, friend, community partner or clinician, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/resources.asp.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 800-273-8255 and press 1, text to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
About the author: Aimee Jonson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and program analyst for partnerships in VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
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As a black veteran of 24 years of service I want to know what one is talking about when MAGA is any thing we can be proud of. Yes I was a child of the 40 and 50 and adult after 63 and this was not a great time as an Air Force Officer. The President could do a better job of commanding if he would think before he open his mouth or read his tweet before hitting the send button. I did not ask for the trip here and as far as I can research nor did three generation back. My father was a WW1 VETERAN and fought in France. I think Freedom of Speech is one thing we fought for but understood being on active duty you had that taken away so now I speech my mind. The racial tension is worst and is endorsed by the president each time he open his mouth. We are not living up to our name “UNITED STATES of AMERICA”
Does anyone have any contact information that could help me get involved with any type of suicide prevention programs for veterans or active duty members? This has been on my heart since I retired a few years back, and I truly want to do my part. I lost my brother to suicide at the young age of 36 and I used that loss to make a difference every chance I could while I was serving, and nothing else would make me happier than to do the same as a civilian. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
This is America, that’s why you still have the right of free speech to support a president who preaches hate and segregation. At the top of his list is himself and the rich. You’d be at the top of his list until you disagree with him, then he won’t know who you are.
How can you trust someone who lies every time he opens his mouth? When he speaks, you wonder “what’s he gonna say this time.” I’m a democrat and was open minded when he was elected, he has done nothing but divide this country and continues to til this day. He disrespects woman, broken ties with our allies, and has been a disgrace to the presidency.
Thanks Tom for the PSA. I am a U. S. Air Force vet and appreciate anyone who will help veterans. It’s not about POTUS, this is about our veterans. I was never in a war zone, but thousands were and we should do all we can to help them. Many are homeless because of what they went through. I SUPPORT OUR VETS.
Thank you for your service Michael Jolley and God bless you and your family for the many sacrifices you have made to protect my family and America. I can NOT understand why any organization representing veterans would pick this rat POS, Tom Hanks, to represent us. Tom Hanks suffers from TDS and HATES our commander in chief and likely you and me also. It befuddles me to see the people running our DVA are too dense or PC to understand Tom Hanks is an American hating, gun-grabbing, glitzy Hollywood rat. Bless you, Michael and thanks for your sacrifice and heroic service. What a disappointment seeing Tom Hanks in this honorable position. He made a war movie once and now he thinks he’s a veteran. He is a very wealthy disgusting America hating celebrity that’s all.
whatever it takes to get help for veterans…..
It would be super nice if people would focus on
the veteran, not the “govt” or any other entity.
Just , however you can
REMEMBER….these are your brothers and sisters
Sometimes companies try to make their wrongs right. Tom Hanks, an actor, to my understanding, has never served in the military. This kindness shows his Big heart to help us. He has been advocating for us for a long time–for our good. I Be There for Veterans? It’s a beautiful hand up for many. This disabled-woman Veteran appreciates your giving heart in these unkind days, Mr. Hanks and J & J! GOD Bless you for caring!
Hanks is an outspoken, demagogic enemy of President Trump, a President who is committed to the well being of veterans. Hanks is a poor choice for this PSA. Somebody like Gary Sinese would have been much better.
Agreed Larry. I’d be happier with Gary Sinese
I called the hot line because my son was arrested because his dog bit a little boy when he stepped on an open sore on his foot. The hot line contacted the court. The court put the whole building on lock down,the judge decided he was a danger to society so he sentenced him to 9 months in jail. My son can’t walk without a walker,he is mostly bedridden and has PTSD from his service in the gulf war. He sure didn’t need this extra stress in his life. The court wouldn’t let anyone have a voice about what happened with the dog now he is ordered to be put down. He has been a fixture in our town greeted everyone who came in our store. The whole thing is heartbreaking. The V.A. hot line should be used to help not make things worse
How Come The V.A. Knows I Have Problems, But Won’t Help Me ? T.B.I’d Are Serious And Sometimes My Mind Wonders, Nevertheless I Hope My President Mr.Trump Take Resources From Other Countries And GivebIt To Us Mind F(redacted)d Vets. Thanks And Stay American, And If U Don’t Love America, Yes U Can Freely Leave :)#OneAmerica/NotBlackOrWhiteJustOneAmerica#
TRUMP is for America…….he is NOT a “career politician”…….he is a businessman…..he loves America and he puts
VETERANS at the top of his agenda. KEEP AMERICA GREAT……RELECT DONALD TRUMP !!!!!
I’m a Vietnam veteran 1/7 Air Mobile Cav 67, 68, 69 and I will continue to support President Trump as much as he supports the veterans and law enforcement in this great country. MAGA
Really, VA? You partner with Johnson & Johnson, that poisoned women with asbestos in their talcum powder; and Tom Hanks, an actor who is vocal against the President of the United State and expect to get people to support something? Not me or my family! I am a 100% disabled Air Force veteran of the First Gulf War, and I will NOT be passing this “message” on to anybody. If you want my support, at least get a sponsor and spokesperson who are neutral in politics and murder.
Thank You Sir For Your Great Patriotism And Service, And I Like Your Comment ! Thanks
Wow… As Americans, we have these things called rights. Like the ones Veterans have fought and died for. We have the right to free speech and we don’t have to love, like or silence our opinions about our President! That’s why many people left their country to come to this nation. You may have served in the military under a President you didn’t like, but you still served, right? Did you ever voice any of that dislike for a Commander/President you didn’t agree with or Disliked?
This program is about suicide prevention NOT wether the sponsors who put up $$$ to get the word out give a S… about a man in a suit sitting in a gov paid house in DC, who Tweets hateful, disrespectful and tactless things about many, many people. Tom Hanks may not like Pres Trump but he obviously cares enough about Veterans and helping to prevent Veteran Suicides.
Your comment is your opinion but it shows your pettiness to program to save lives and your disregard for the rights of every American citizen, which includes voicing their opinion on our gov leaders.
The VA obviously didn’t care about his political opinions, did they? No. They needed his $ and notoriety to get the word out to help people who fought for their country!!
I am an Army veteran and former Ranger and I This is an awesome idea! There were several times when I was homeless that I didn’t have anyone to talk to. Great resource!
I 2nd!