Pinehurst Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 26, 2023, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement after his amendment to H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, passed the House by unanimous consent. Rep. Hudson’s amendment would increase funding by $10 million for the Veterans Crisis Line and reduce the General Administration account to pay for it.

“The Veterans Crisis Line has been experiencing record call volume,” said Rep. Hudson. “As the Congressman of one of the fastest growing veteran populations in the country, I am committed to ensuring our veterans have the best possible care and resources we can offer. Our veterans served our country honorably and always deserve the highest quality support. When veterans call 9-8-8 they should feel confident they will have a support system on the other end of the line.”

This year, the Veterans Crisis Line has experienced record call volume. In March alone, the crisis line received more than 88,000 calls, texts, and chats – the highest number of monthly contacts since its creation.

What to expect when you call the Veterans Crisis Line:

Call:

• After you Dial 988 then Press 1, you’ll hear a brief message that you’re being transferred to the next available Veterans Crisis Line responder.
• Once you’re connected to a Veterans Crisis Line responder, they’ll listen to better understand what you’re going through and why you called. 

Text:

• Text 838255 to reach responders.
• After you start a text, a VA responder will join the conversation.
• There’s no cost for you to chat and text the Veterans Crisis Line

After the Call/Text:

• If you choose, the responder will share your name and some personal information with your local VA suicide prevention coordinator who will contact you the next business day.
• You may also be connected to the Peer Support Outreach Call Center. This center is staffed by trained Veterans who proactively reach out to Veterans Crisis Line callers who might benefit from additional support.

Original source can be found here.