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Veteran resources for first responders

VA Palo Alto health care supports local deflection, also known as pre-arrest diversions, to reduce or prevent negative outcomes through supportive health care services.

This webpage informs local government and community organizations that encounter Veterans who need timely care, including police and fire dispatchers, emergency medical services technicians, police officers, mobile crisis units, shelter staff, outreach teams, and more.

Any Veteran in crisis should:

  • Present to their nearest VA or non-VA emergency room and notify staff of Veteran status
  • Contact the Veteran Crisis Line

For non-emergency mental health concerns, contact Palo Alto VA mental health care at .

Learn more about our Suicide Prevention Program

Veterans Crisis Line info

Local VA services

  • VAPAHCS Police - Dispatch (Non-emergency): (24/7)
  • Addiction Treatment Services:

  • Justice Outreach Programs:

    o David Grillo: (Manager)

    o Rebecca Smith: (Monterey County)

    o Frank Rainey: (Santa Clara County)

    o Leah White: (San Mateo County)

    o Dan Gutkind: (Alameda County)

    o Heather Mc Isaac: (Santa Cruz/San Benito Counties)

    o Raymond (Tim) Healy: (Homeless Outreach)

  • Triage Nurse (24/7): or choose option 4
  • Local Vet Centers: M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Emergency Services at Palo Alto VA Medical Center

The Palo Alto VA Medical Center is the only site with an Emergency Department (ED) and operates 24/7. Our ED covers all emergency mental health needs. All traumas should be diverted to a trauma facility.

Emergency Department:

Non-VA Emergency Mental Health Services (COMPACT Act)

Report emergency treatment received from a non-VA emergency department: Care staff or the Veteran are required to report emergency care within 72 hours to the VA 72-Hour Notification Hotline at or via the VA Emergency Care reporting portal.

Important: Veterans do not need to be enrolled for health care at VA to benefit from the COMPACT Act. Any Veteran determined to be in acute suicidal crisis who meets the military service eligibility criteria is eligible for COMPACT-related care and treatment provided or paid for by VA, regardless of their enrollment and copayment status.

National VA Resources

Homeless Veterans: for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and their family members, friends and supporters, can make the call or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans.

Veterans readjusting to civilian life: Combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life at the Vet Center Call Center.

Women Veterans: for information about a variety of services and benefits that women Veterans have earned and deserve through their military service by phone or online chat.

National Cemetery Scheduling Office: (M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET)

Headstones and markers: (M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET)

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