Letter: Help is available for veterans

Preventing veteran suicide is a top priority for the VA and the VA Portland Health Care System. Over the last decade, Veterans Affairs has implemented numerous programs, policies, and initiatives related to suicide prevention. Some of the resources VA offers to veterans, their family members and friends include:

• The #BeThere campaign (https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/support/be-there) — emphasizing that everyday connections can make a big difference to someone going through a difficult time.

• Make the Connection (https://maketheconnection.net/) — providing hopeful stories, information and solutions to issues affecting veterans.

• The Veterans Crisis Line (https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/local-resources) — a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text to connect with qualified, caring responders. Call 800-273-8255. All of us should have this number in our cellphones should a veteran need support.

Our Suicide Prevention Team hosts suicide prevention support groups for veterans at five locations. Any interested veteran should reach out to the team at 503-402-2857. If your organization is interested in understanding suicide and how to help prevent suicide, please contact our team to set up a training or to attend an outreach event.

We all can make a difference in preventing veteran suicide.