The CDC estimates that roughly 20% of the 30,000 suicides that take place in the U.S. each year are veterans. Under the current Administration, there has been a renewed effort to reduce this staggering statistic. One of the most evident products of this commendable campaign is a suicide prevention hotline. The New York Times recently published a moving report about a typical day at a hotline center. The article is available here. While critics find the hotline to be a last-ditch approach to reach those on the brink, it has proven to be effective by some objective measures. Since 2007, the hot line has been responsible for 10,000 rescues. Additionally, it is often a gateway to steer callers to other programs that they were unaware of and could benefit them.
Please, if you are a veteran finding yourself in crisis, call:
1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 to be routed to the veterans’ hotline.
Trained counselors are available 24/7. Additionally, if you are a veteran in emotional distress, homeless, or on the verge of becoming homeless, a live chat is available for you here.
