Resources for At-Risk Veterans

Be There: Help Save a Life

This video emphasizes that we can all play a role in preventing suicide – and that showing someone you care can be an important first step. Your actions could help save a life.

Suicide Prevention

On average 20 Veterans die by suicide every day and the risk for suicide in Veterans is 20% higher compared to civilians (US Department Veterans Affairs, 2016). We all can take action to help prevent suicide, but many people don't know what they can do to support the Veteran or Service member in their life who is going through a difficult time. Explore VA suicide prevention resources.

Veterans Crisis Line

Veterans, Service members, and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat to receive free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.

Community Collaboration: Suicide Prevention is Everyone’s Business #BeThere

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is on a mission to end suicide among Veterans in communities across America. Approximately 14 of the 20 Veterans who die by suicide each day are not receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration. Access the Veteran Outreach Toolkit to learn how you can help.

Veteran Suicide Data

VA believes every Veteran suicide is a tragic outcome. Regardless of the numbers or rates, one Veteran suicide is one too many. VA performed an analysis of Veteran suicide rates in the U.S. from 1979 to 2016 by examining over 50 million Veteran records. View Veteran suicide data in the Veteran Suicide Fact Sheet.

REACH VET Program

Created as a result of a joint VA and Pentagon study, the VA REACH VET program is used to predict who might be at risk of suicide and intervene before there is a crisis. Learn more about the REACH VET program.

Homeless Veterans

No Veteran should be without a place to call home. VA is committed to ending homelessness among Veterans by:

• Conducting coordinated outreach to proactively seek out Veterans in need of assistance.
• Connecting homeless and at-risk Veterans with housing solutions, health care, community employment services and other required supports.
• Collaborating with federal, state and local agencies; employers; housing providers, faith-based and community nonprofits; and others to expand employment and affordable housing options for Veterans exiting homelessness.

Veteran Homelessness Prevention

VA Homelessness Prevention programs include the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, Health Care for Re-Entry, Veteran Justice Outreach, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program, and the Veterans Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Program (VHPD). Visit VA Homelessness Prevention Programs to learn more.

National Call Center for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans

VA has founded a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans to ensure that homeless Veterans or Veterans at-risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends and supporters—can call 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838) to connect with a trained VA staff member. Visit National Call Center for Homeless Veterans.

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