#Middlebury #Veterans #Suicide
VETERANS POST
By Freddy Groves
Across the country there is a new mental health suicide and crisis line phone number – 988. The Department of Veterans Affairs has merged services with that number to provide an additional resource for veterans to call when they’re in crisis.
The new number is a result of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, a bill that was passed and signed off as law. It’s startling, however, to learn that this bill was first created and sponsored by 34 U.S. senators in 2019. Additionally, it was signed into law in 2020.
But these things take time. It wasn’t until the middle of this year, 2022, that the 988 number was hooked up to the VA crisis line. During the two years, the VA beefed up the number of employees and responding staff by the hundreds. It hooks up 500 suicide prevention coordinators at the VA, which ensures that follow-up care is part of the care a veteran receives.
You can call that 988 number, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Or you can call the original number: 800-273-8255. Or you can text to 838255. And you also can instantly chat at www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat.
There are a number of options to help veterans who need suicide crisis help, and it’s immediate. Somebody will answer 24/7, and you’ll be asked a couple of quick questions, such as whether you are the veteran or if you’re calling for a veteran who is at risk of suicide or is in immediate danger. It’s all confidential and free. By the next day someone local (your suicide prevention coordinator) will contact you and get you lined up for continued support.
Go to the “Get Help Now” link listed above and click around, especially on “How It Works.” Remember, you don’t have to be enrolled in any VA programs for health care or benefits. If you are a veteran, this service is for you. You’re not alone.
© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.
