The Veteran’s Crisis Line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (Zachary Hada/Air Force)
Veterans Affairs officials expect calls to the Veterans Crisis Line to increase by as much as 150% after a new three-digit dialing code for suicide prevention services starts operating this July.
That would mean hundreds of thousands more veterans getting emergency help during mental health crises, provided department officials can keep up with the demand.
On April 6, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said department leaders have been increasing staff and prepping for increased caseloads in anticipation of the new 988 dialing code. Individuals in some areas can already use the service, but it is set to go into effect nationwide by July 16.
Similar to the 911 dialing code, which puts callers in direct contact with local emergency response officials, the 988 code will allow individuals to instantly connect with the National Suicide Prevention Line.
Veterans who call will be transferred to VA’s Veterans Crisis Line to speak with counselors who have military-specific experience and access to other veteran support resources. Currently, about one-third of all calls to the national crisis line are transferred to the VA call center.
The new three-digit code has been in the works for the last two years. McDonough told members of the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday that his department expects call volume to jump over the next year from about 700,000 to as high as 1.7 million, as individuals can more easily access the service.
“We began hiring up for this effort last year,” he said. “We need to increase our full-time workforce by about 460 people … but we have the money and the ability and the authority to get that done.”
The new number won’t stop individuals from accessing help if they dial the direct number for the National Suicide Prevention Line (800-273-8255) or if they visit the Veterans Crisis Line’s online chat and text options.
But federal officials are hopeful the 988 number will be easier to remember and provide an even faster response for individuals in need of mental health intervention.
Author: Military Times
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