There are nearly 22 million veterans in the United States. Regardless of when or where they served, all share a common challenge: “coming home.”
For those who have experienced the stress of deployment, or the harsh realities of combat, “coming home” is a process that can take days, months, years, or even a lifetime. It means accessing benefits, overcoming physical or psychological injuries, and reconnecting with friends, families, and co-workers.
Seeking help for these ... Read More
There are nearly 22 million veterans in the United States. Regardless of when or where they served, all share a common challenge: “coming home.”
For those who have experienced the stress of deployment, or the harsh realities of combat, “coming home” is a process that can take days, months, years, or even a lifetime. It means accessing benefits, overcoming physical or psychological injuries, and reconnecting with friends, families, and co-workers.
Seeking help for these issues does not come easily for many veterans. For those who do, finding help can be a frustrating process. Too often, confusing bureaucracy, long wait times, and other barriers to care leave those most in need feeling even more isolated. When that happens, once manageable problems can become much bigger.
Since 1985, the National Veterans Foundation (NVF) has provided a solution: a live voice, an understanding ear, confidential crisis counseling, information about available benefits and services, and live, real time referrals to local providers who can help, via a single toll free phone number.
Addressing Unmet Needs
There are many services for veterans, but not everyone knows when, where, or how to access them. Ultimately, research shows that when veterans are unable to find the support they need in time - especially for service connected mental health problems - it can lead to disastrous consequences for them, their families, and the community as a whole.
Consider the following facts:
- About a quarter of the nation’s population is potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans.
- The VA provides medical care to 6 million2 and distributes benefits to 4.3 million3 each year.
- Veterans are nearly twice as likely as non-veterans to commit suicide. The suicide rate of Veterans under 30 has doubled since 2009. 22 veterans a day commit suicide.
- 30% of Iraq War and Afghanistan veterans that have been seen at VA facilities are diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and 31% of all Vietnam veterans have been diagnosed as suffering from PTSD at some point in their lives.
By quickly connecting veterans and families with needed services, and providing a live, under-standing voice when it’s needed most, the NVF Lifeline for Vets saves lives.
Help is Just a TOLL-FREE Call Away:
1-888-777-4443
As waves of new veterans return from Iraq and Afghanistan, the need for a real time, live support helpline is more critical than ever. The NVF Lifeline for Vets is a counselor, dispatch service and case manager - all rolled into one.
Our trained call center staff has over 40 years experience helping veterans and families cut through red tape, overcome psychological scars, and access earned benefits. No matter where, when, or why a veteran needs assistance, the NVF Lifeline for Vets assists veterans with:
• Suicide/Crisis Intervention
• Mental Health Services & PTSD Counseling
• Homelessness Services • Substance Abuse Treatment
• VA Benefits Counseling • Medical Treatment
• Employment/Job Training • Basic Needs Assistance
• Transportation Services • Legal Aid
• Support for Military Families, Survivors and Dependents
Staffed by veterans, for veterans, the NVF has taken more than 300,000 calls to date, and remains guided by a single enduring purpose: “no veteran left behind.”
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