The Power of One: Your Actions Could Save A Life

Every year, organizations across the country recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month. This year, join the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), local and national organizations, and individuals across the country in supporting The Power of 1: Show how one act can encourage Veterans, Service members, and their loved ones to seek confidential crisis support from the Veterans Crisis Line.

Whether it’s something as simple as striking up a conversation with a Veteran, or encouraging those on your social networks to support Veterans in your area, every little bit counts. Your actions could save a life.

Free, Confidential Crisis Support Anytime by Phone, Chat, or Text
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential crisis resource that Veterans and their families and friends can access any day, anytime. Trained responders — some of them Veterans themselves — are ready to listen, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

VA counts on grass-roots networks and community organizations to spread the word that support is just a call, click, or text away — because we’re all in this together, and one small act shows you care. 

Identifying Signs of Crisis
Sometimes, a crisis may involve thoughts of suicide. The following signs require immediate attention:

1. Thinking about hurting or killing yourself
2. Looking for ways to kill yourself
3. Talking about death, dying, or suicide
4. Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, weapons, etc.

If you notice any of these in a Veteran or Service member you know, connect him or her with the Veterans Crisis Line’s 24/7/365 resources: Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat, or text to 838255. 

Spread the Word
During Suicide Prevention Month, be the reason a Veteran you know finds support during times of crisis. Take a minute today to show your support for Veterans and spread the word about the Veterans Crisis Line — because when we come together as a community to show we care and encourage our Veterans to reach out in times of crisis, we can save lives.

Visit VeteransCrisisLine.net/ThePowerOf1 to learn how you and others in your community can work together to prevent suicide. Download free Suicide Prevention Month materials, including flyers to print and distribute, digital ads to display on your website, and content to post on social networks or publish in newsletters or blogs.

It starts with one small act and takes just one minute to make a difference. Will you take part in The Power of 1?  

Visit VeteransCrisisLine.net to learn more.

The caring responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances. Some of the responders are Veterans themselves and understand what Veterans and their families and friends have been through and the challenges Veterans of all ages and service eras face.

Since its launch in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 1.86 million calls and made more than 50,000 lifesaving rescues. In 2009, the Veterans Crisis Line added an anonymous online chat service and has engaged in more than 240,000 chats. In November 2011, the Veterans Crisis Line introduced a text-messaging service to provide another way for Veterans to connect with confidential, round-the-clock support, and since then has responded to more than 39,000 texts.

In 2011, the National Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline was renamed the Veterans Crisis Line to encourage Veterans and their families and friends to make the call. People who know a Veteran best may be the first to recognize emotional distress and reach out for support when issues reach a crisis point — and well before a Veteran is at risk of suicide.

To make sure all Veterans and their loved ones are aware of the Veterans Crisis Line, VA is coordinating with communities and partners nationwide to let Veterans and their loved ones know that support is available whenever, if ever, they need it.