VA Rolls Out New Support Tools

The VA is expanding its suicide prevention efforts through several new initiatives including a text messaging to the existing Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans, service members, as well as friends and family can use the free and confidential service by texting 83-8255 to receive immediate support in times of crisis.
A toll-free access line from Europe is another new initiative, giving veterans and service members living in Europe access to confidential support from responders at the Veterans Crisis Line in the United States. Callers in Europe may dial 0800-1273-8255 or DSN 118 to reach these services. Both the text messaging and Europe toll-free line are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The VA also added two new external crisis support organizations for veterans. Vets Prevail (www.VetsPrevail.org) provides users a chat service to connect with a variety of support resources. And Vets4Warriors (www.Vets4Warriors.com) offers peer-to-peer assistance via chat and their toll-free hotline at 1-855-VET-TALK. Both organizations are able to transfer callers directly to the Veterans Crisis Line if necessary.

To learn more about VA’s suicide prevention program, visit: http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/