STOP VETERAN SUICIDES!
The NVF has a Solution to the Veteran Suicide Problem
A Vet-to-Vet crisis hotline, the Lifeline for Vets, in operation since 1985 and staffed by trained fellow Veterans.
DONATE NOW TO HELP SAVE A VETERAN IN CRISIS!
OUR LIFELINE FOR VETS
There are at least 20 Veteran Suicides Every Day
And that’s just the official number. We think the number is more likely 24-25 Veterans a day. That is over 9,000 former service members each year we are losing to Veteran suicides. And the rate of active-duty suicides has increased over the last five years.
These men and women volunteered and fought for our freedom. They are not getting the services they need after returning home from war. We can and should do better by them.
The Lifeline for Vets, in operation since 1985, is staffed by trained fellow Veterans.
Other Hotlines working to Prevent Veteran Suicides
VA Suicide Hotline – 1-800-273-8255
National Suicide Hotline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Stop Soldier Suicide - 1-800-273-8255 #1
VET TO VET - WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
There are other Veteran hotlines out there, but this is the only one where a Vet can talk to another Vet, one who has been there and understands.
This Vet-to-Vet model is dramatically more effective than other programs in helping Veterans in crisis get the right counseling and get them back on the path to a successful reintegration back to civilian life.
NVF President Shad Meshad with JWV Commander Marc Thurston
The Lifeline for Vets was created and is led by Shad Meshad, one of America’s foremost Veteran counselors and advocates, a Vietnam Veteran who developed PTSD treatment for the VA’s Vet Center program.
Not every call the NVF Lifeline for Vets takes is a suicide crisis call, but every call is potentially a suicide prevention call.
That’s because helping veterans get jobs, access their benefits, get counseling, medical care, financial assistance and housing all help put veterans on a path that leads away from the one that ends in suicide.
Your donation can make a difference in the war against veteran suicide.
Currently, the Lifeline is only funded to operate 40 hours a week, and takes about 10,000 calls a year.
For every suicidal Veteran out there, there are 5-10 Veterans who are at risk. These Vets may be suffering from PTSD or Traumatic Brain injury. They may be unemployed or suffering from other problems. They are often dealing with multiple issues that put them at risk for becoming suicidal.
The Lifeline for Vets needs to expand its operations to 24/7, so it can help the 50,000 or more at-risk Veterans in America who need our help. And that number is just going to continue to grow as more troops return home from war.
The National Veterans Foundation needs to raise a significant amount of money in the near future to bring the Lifeline for Vets to 24/7 operations. We are asking for your help. Please make a donation today to “Stop 22”.