VA encourages all Veterans and their families to participate in first inaugural National Buddy Check Week

WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the first annual National Buddy Check Week. During the week — which will take place between Oct.16 and Oct. 20 — VA will be encouraging Veterans to talk to 10 of their fellow Veterans and check in with them.

The goal of this effort is to build peer-to-peer connections, improve mental health, and increase access to VA resources. Veteran family members, caregivers, and survivors are also encouraged to participate.

All of the resources that participants need can be found on VA’s National Buddy Check Week website, including the Buddy Check Week Pledge, a tool to help find buddies, and peer wellness training. The training helps Veterans recognize if their buddy needs additional assistance and, if so, understand how to help.

“No one can replace the bonds between Veterans who served together,” said Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tanya Bradsher. “Through National Buddy Check Week, we’re encouraging all Veterans to reach out to their buddies, even if they haven’t talked for a while. And if a Veteran needs help, please refer them to VA. Don’t let a buddy miss out on the resources they’ve earned.”

All Veterans and their families can help connect Veterans to resources by sharing:

• 1-800-MyVA411 is always the right number to call for questions or assistance.
• The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7. Dial 988 then Press 1, Chat Online, or Text 838255.
• Print and share the VA Welcome Kit to learn more about what VA offers and how to get started.

Visit VA’s National Buddy Check Week website to learn more about the pledge, training, outreach kit, and other easy ways to get involved.