Helping veterans in need

The Department of Veterans Affairs empowers communities to take action to support our nation’s veterans. Each community across the country plays a role in supporting veterans, but as an individual you may not know what to do or where to start.

VA Connecticut has a variety of resources dedicated to support mental health. This includes inpatient and outpatient treatment, and a 24/7 Psychiatric Emergency Room at our West Haven location. Suicide prevention coordinators are based out of our West Haven and Newington locations. The Veterans Crisis Line (800-273-8255 and Press 1) is always available regardless of enrollment or eligibility status with VA health care. Individual counseling and group treatment are also available at Vet Centers located in Danbury, Rocky Hill, Orange and Norwich.

You don’t need to have special training to support the veterans in your life, and we can all do something to help a veteran who is going through a difficult time. Even seemingly small actions can have a huge impact: Preventing suicide begins with just the willingness to Be There.

Showing your support can be as simple as sending a veteran a text message — inviting someone over to catch up or sharing a positive thought are both great ways to communicate that you care. Your words could be exactly what a veteran in crisis needs to hear, and could be a reminder of the many people out there who are willing to listen.

Simply reaching out to a veteran in need and opening the door for a discussion could make all the difference. Learn more ways to show your support and Be There by visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net/ BeThere to find more resources and information.

Gerald Culliton Director, VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven