Veteran's Suicide Prevention Hotline Begins Operation

The Suicide Prevention Hotline for U.S. Veterans, announced by the Department of Veterans Affairs on July 2, is now fully operational.

By calling the toll-free hot line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), veterans can get direct, round-the-clock access to mental health professionals.

"The hot line will put veterans in touch – any time of the day or night, any day of the week, from anywhere in the country – with trained, caring professionals who can help," stated VA Secretary Jim Nicholson in a press release. "This is another example of the VA’s commitment to provide world-class health care for our nation’s veterans, especially combat veterans newly returned from Iraq and Afghanistan."

Veteran’s suicide rate doubles others
A study conducted by Portland State University concluded that US war veterans are twice as likely to kill themselves as ordinary civilians. Suicide rates among men who had served in the military were found to be 2.13 percent higher than among men with no military service.

VA beefs up mental health coverage
With a current annual budget allocation of approximately $3 billion, and a staff of more than 9,000 mental health professionals, the VA is the largest provider of mental health care in the nation. According to the VA, mental health professionals are now in place at every VA medical center and outpatient clinic in the nation.

Also See:
VA to Offer Veterans Chiropractic Care
Iraq War Results & Statistics as of July 18, 2007 (Liberal Politics)