Suicide Prevention Hotline Saves Lives

Week of February 23, 2009

Help is only a phone call away for military veterans considering suicide. Nearly 100,000 veterans, family members or friends of veterans reached out for help by calling the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK since the hotline was launched July 2007. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is staffed by trained mental health professionals prepared to deal with an immediate crisis. Also, suicide prevention coordinators are on hand at each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility and outpatient clinic. Troubled veterans, whether they call the suicide prevention hotline or walk in, receive follow-up care almost immediately. For more information, visit VA's Suicide Prevention webpage.