To ensure veterans with emotional crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun operation of a national suicide prevention hotline for veterans. To operate the national hotline, VA is partnering with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Veterans can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press "1" to reach the VA hotline, which will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, NY who will work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers.