SUICIDE PREVENTION
Veterans Crisis Line (VCL): Are you a veteran in crisis or worried about one? Call 988, option 1. VCL offers 24/7, confidential crisis supportfor Veterans and their loved ones. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.The Veterans Crisis Line serves Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. For more information go to: Home (veteranscrisisline.net)
VA Safety Plan App: The Safety Plan app is for anyone who has experienced suicidal thoughts. The app helps you identify personal coping strategies and sources of support – giving suicidal thoughts time to decrease and become more manageable. Read more and download here: Safety Plan | VA Mobile
Keep it Secure: Increasing the time and distance between a person in suicidal crisis and their access to lethal means can reduce suicide risk and save lives. The VA Keep It Secure program promotes awareness about the simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Learn more here: Firearm Suicide Prevention & Lethal Means Safety
Don’t Wait, Reach Out: Find the right veteran resources quickly. Learn more here: Don't Wait. Reach Out
Make the Connection: Veterans and their loved ones talk about their experiences, challenges, and recovery. Many Veterans are living better lives today after reaching out for support. Learn more at: Make the Connection | Videos & Info for Military Veterans
VA Annual Suicide Prevention Report: Suicide is preventable. Learn about the latest data, research, what the VA is doing, what’s next, and resources we can all use to prevent veteran suicide. Home - Suicide Prevention Annual Report (va.gov)
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Emergency Care Reporting: If a veteran has a medical or mental health emergency, reimbursement for care by VA may be provided in certain situations. Go here to learn more: Emergency Medical Care–Information for Providers - Community Care (va.gov)
Veterans Health Administration (VHA): Find out if you are eligible (and apply) for VA health care here: Eligibility For VA Health Care | Veterans Affairs
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA): Learn about Veteran benefits and how to apply for them here: Veterans Benefits Administration Home (va.gov)
Center for Minority Veterans: The Center for Minority Veterans is the Department of Veterans Affairs model for inter-and intra-agency co-operation, to ensure all veterans receive equal service regardless of race, origin, religion, or gender. Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) (va.gov)
LGBTQ+ Veterans: LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (LGBTQ+ VCC) at every Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care facility to help you get the care you need. VHA policies require that your health care is delivered in an affirming and inclusive environment and that VHA employees respect your identity. Learn more here: VHA LGBTQ+ Health Program - Patient Care Services (va.gov)
Caregiver Support Program: The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services. Learn more here: VA Caregiver Support Program Home
MENTAL HEALTH
Coaching Into Care: A free service for families and friends of Veterans. Responders will briefly assess your concerns and provide appropriate resources and referrals. Through 10 to 30 minute calls, licensed psychologists and social workers offer guidance and help for starting conversations with the Veteran in your life about their mental health or substance use and motivating them to seek treatment if it’s needed. Call 888-823-7458 or visit: Coaching Into Care
Mobile Mental Health Apps: VA mobile applications (apps) provide self-help, education and support following trauma. There are also treatment companion apps, for use with a health care provider, to make treatment easier. Learn more here: Mobile Apps - PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov)
MILITARY & VETERANS COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Virginia Veteran and Family Support: The Virginia Veteran & Family Support Program (VVFS) is operated statewide by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and provides outreach, connection, and support to veterans and their families as they address the challenges of military service, transition, deployments, post-traumatic stress or other behavioral health concerns as well as traumatic brain injuries and physical injuries. Learn more here. Virginia Veteran and Family Support - Virginia Department of Veterans Services
Military One Source: From the Department of Defense, a 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources and confidential help. When MilLife happens, it’s your “first line of support” – giving service members and military families tools to stay well and thrive. Learn more here: Military OneSource
