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Don’t Wait. Reach Out. September is Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide Prevention Awareness

By Gloria Hairston, Director of Public Affairs

Life has its challenges. As a Veteran you don’t have to solve them alone. VA offers care and resources for you, your family, and caregiver, including faith-based support.

Veterans often carry silent burdens, including within their home, community and congregation. VA is encouraging family, friends, and colleagues to learn how to start a conversation to/ help understand their challenges. Seeking help is a sign of strength and having the right tools and resources are critical. 

A helpful resource list and facts are below and to learn more, visit: https://www.va.gov/REACH/

Veterans Crisis Line  

Your DC VA Medical Center team encourages all Veterans who are experiencing a crisis to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. It is a toll-free, confidential resource for Veterans, service members, VA employees, family members and concerned citizens. There are multiple opportunities to contact the Veterans Crisis Line:

Don’t wait. Reach Out. 

  • You do not have to be suicidal to call the Veterans Crisis Line. It is a service to help with a crisis no matter how big or small.  
  • Veterans, family, and friends can call the Veterans Crisis Line. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 and qualified mental health professionals are ready to assist anyone who calls, including friends and family of Veterans. If you think someone is in need of help and not sure how to approach the conversation or you need immediate assistance guiding a Veteran to emergent care, the Veterans Crisis Line will guide you every step of the way.
  • A Veteran does not need to be enrolled in VA care to use the Veterans Crisis Line. The Veterans Crisis Line is available at all times to help Veterans and their family.
  • Calling the Veterans Crisis Line will not immediately trigger a welfare check. If a Veteran or family member calls the Veterans Crisis Line, a trained and caring responder will work with the caller to provide the best care. 

COMPACT Act 

Veterans in acute suicidal crisis can go to any emergency room to get medical care. Here is how it works and what’s covered: 

What it is 

  1. Any Veteran – whether enrolled in VA or not – can go to a VA or non-VA emergency room for emergent suicidal care. Your DC VA Medical Center Emergency Department operates 24/7.
  2. We strongly recommend Veterans in suicidal crisis call 911 or visit their nearest emergency room for expedited care.
  3. VA will provide the treatment or cover the costs for treatment including transportation, inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for up to 90 days. 

How it works 

Veterans or their loved ones should do the following in the event of an emergent suicidal crisis: 

  • Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
  • Notify staff that you’re a Veteran
  • Staff will take you back and provide treatment
  • Emergencies are never planned so it’s important you and your loved ones know where the closest emergency room is located. 

For more details about COMPACT Act eligibility and billing, visit  VA’s press room. 

Chaplain Service 

The Chaplain Service can aid you through all walks of life, not just spiritual ones. The service hosts several group sessions for various needs.  

Grief, writing, and relationship groups are common places to come together with the Chaplain Service.  Connect via Email or call your DC VAMC Chief of Chaplain Service for more information: Carol.Ramsey-Lucas@va.gov  or .