The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and the Veterans Crisis Line are proud to support the 988 expansion initiative. VA partnered with the Federal Communications Commission, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The 988 expansion directly addresses the need for ease of access and clarity in times of crisis, both for Veterans and non-Veterans alike. By providing a universal, unique 3-digit dialing code, it also gives the VA an opportunity to work in greater collaboration with the suicide prevention community across the United States, and it opens the door to engage new individuals in life-saving care.

VA looks forward to continued focus around expanded access to quality crisis care for Veterans, service members and their families through the VCL and the partnership with the Lifeline. For now, the Veterans Crisis Line remains available 24/7 by calling 1-800-273-8255, Press 1, chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net, or text 838255.

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3 Comments

  1. Marc D Sevigny December 22, 2019 at 14:56

    About time they got rid of the 1-800 number. That was nuts!!!

  2. Raymond A Elliott December 12, 2019 at 16:37

    I have PTSD depression service connected I have back problems and hip service but it’s only 50%

  3. Penni Chesmore December 12, 2019 at 11:16

    I have been a nurse for 19 years and I am looking to work in crisis telemedicine/hotline. I have had a great deal of mental health experience and I’m ready to take this on. Please direct me in to a place I can see requirements or apply. Thank you kindly, Penni Chesmore

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