Blue Star Families has developed a series of PSAs for active-duty military personnel and their families. View the entire series on BSF’s YouTube channel.
In recent years, veteran mental health issues have come to the forefront of the public consciousness, and with them the problem of veteran suicide. The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network is working with Veteran’s Administration across the state to address suicide prevention among veterans and other members of the military community.
This portion of our website offers the several resources for current and former members of the United States military and their loved ones. The most important being below. Use the menu to the right for additional resources.
Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK,
Veterans Press 1. For immediate crisis services, The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has founded a national suicide prevention hotline to ensure veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors.
To operate the Veterans Hotline, the VA partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans can call the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and press “1” to be routed to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline. Staff members are specially trained to take calls from military veterans and its staffed 24 hours a day, everyday. While all operators are trained to help veterans, some are also former military personnel. All callers will be connected to most appropriate resources.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also has an extensive amount of resources on the website for veterans. Please click here to access the page which includes a 24/7 Live Chat option as well as a resource locator, enrollment and benefits information, etc.
The Tennessee Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their families is participating with 35 other states who are taking part in working to develop and implement state-wide suicide prevention best practices for SMVF, using a public health approach. The Tennessee Governor’s Challenge is in stage four right now of the process and hopes to implement the priority areas that are listed below across the state at the end of 2021.
Click here to find local Veteran resources and manage your Veteran benefits. To find your local Veterans Services Officer, click here.
Depression Screening
This screening mechanism is sponsored by PsyCom Depression Awareness Group, anon-profit organization.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The Lifeline is a free 24/7, confidential, short-term crisis counseling line for those experiencing distress. It is a myth that 988 is only for suicidal individuals; it is available to everyone. Call, text, or chat 988 if you are overwhelmed, stressed, and need to talk with a trained counselor.
This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.