Two years ago, the launch of ‘Dial 988 then Press 1’ revolutionized access to the Veterans Crisis Line, making it easier for Veterans and their families to get support from the VA.
Since the rollout of ‘Dial 988 then Press 1’ in July 2022, over 10 million total communications — calls, texts, and chats — have been handled by the service.
The introduction of ‘Dial 988 then Press 1’ has simplified access to the Veterans Crisis Line ’s lifesaving services with a memorable number. The average response time for calls has been impressively quick, at just 9.17 seconds. Alongside the increase in calls, the Veterans Crisis Line has seen a 76.7% rise in text communications and a 27.5% rise in chat interactions over the past two years.
“Our Veterans Crisis Line has been providing Veteran-centered support for nearly two decades, and two years ago we made it even easier for Veterans in crisis and their loved ones to reach out for help by launching ‘Dial 988 then Press 1,’” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said. “One Veteran lost to suicide is one too many. We’re supporting more Veterans than ever through the 988 initiative and will not rest in our continued efforts to spread the word that this resource is available and saves lives.”
The two-year anniversary of this initiative coincides with the 2024 VA/DOD Suicide Prevention Conference in Portland, Oregon. This event is important for advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s strategy to reduce military and Veteran suicide. Over 2,000 VA and Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, leaders, allies, and experts will gather to share the latest research, evidence-based approaches, and data improvements.
The VA is committed to ensuring that every Veteran and their loved ones have access to the Veterans Crisis Line in times of crisis. With over 1,000 responders, many of whom are Veterans themselves, the Veterans Crisis Line provides immediate support. Veterans in need of confidential support, or those worried about a Veteran, can reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7. No VA enrollment or health care is required to connect.
For assistance, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.