How to get suicide crisis care now, even if not in VA care

If you or a Veteran you know is facing a crisis, help is available right now. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or VA health care to use it.

Thanks to the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care & Treatment (COMPACT) Act Emergent Suicide Care benefit, eligible individuals can receive free emergency suicide crisis care at VA and community facilities, regardless of enrollment status. This benefit is designed to remove obstacles and make it easier for you to get support if you’re in a suicide crisis. Here’s what to know about accessing care and building support when having thoughts of suicide.

Under the COMPACT Act, Veterans and other eligible individuals can receive free emergency care for an acute suicide crisis at VA medical centers (VAMC) or community emergency departments without enrolling in VA health care.

This benefit covers care related to acute suicide crises, including transportation, inpatient or acute crisis stabilization care for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for up to 90 days. If you’re in suicide crisis, you can go directly to your nearest emergency department or VAMC and let them know you served in the military and are in need of suicide crisis care. The goal of the COMPACT Act is simple: get help now and supportive ongoing care later.

Sometimes the most important thing is knowing you’re not alone. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 for Veterans, their families and those who care about them, whether you’re in immediate crisis or just need someone to talk to.

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Source: VA News
Website: news.va.gov