Whether you are a veteran, family member, or friend, it is important to know who to call when an emergency arises. Emergencies come in all shapes and sizes and are never easy to plan for. If you could plan for them, they would just be situations, right?
Who do you call and when?
So, when do you call what agency and do you have the right numbers already? While I was active in the Army, my chain of command, as soon as we signed into our new unit, would give us a list of numbers to put into our phones and some are probably still there. Those numbers were to the staff duty desk, members of my chain of command, the sexual assault advocate, the chaplain, and other key figures within the organization who could help in a pinch. But who do you call when you no longer have a chain of command? Who do you call when your friend, spouse, child, or separated best friend has an emergency or says something that isn’t sitting right with you?
In emergencies, veterans have several resources and contacts they should reach out to for immediate assistance. Here’s a guide to who veterans should contact based on the type of emergency.
1. Life-Threatening Emergencies
911: For any immediate, life-threatening emergencies such as medical crises, accidents, or severe mental health crises, veterans should call 911 immediately.
2. Mental Health Crises
Veterans Crisis Line:
Phone: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
Text: 838255
Online Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
This service is available 24/7 for veterans experiencing a mental health crisis, including thoughts of suicide.
3. Medical Emergencies
Nearest VA Medical Center: Veterans should go to the nearest VA hospital or medical center if they are experiencing a medical emergency.
Civilian Hospital Emergency Room: If a VA facility is not nearby, veterans can go to the nearest civilian hospital ER. The VA can cover emergency care at non-VA facilities, but veterans should inform the VA as soon as possible.
4. Homelessness or Housing Crisis
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans:
Phone: 1-877-424-3838
This service connects veterans with services for housing, emergency shelter, and other support.
5. Substance Abuse Crisis
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:
Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Provides 24/7 confidential and free information for individuals facing substance abuse issues.
6. Domestic Violence or Abuse
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: “START” to 88788
Provides support and resources for veterans experiencing domestic violence.
7. Financial Emergencies
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): Organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) often have emergency financial assistance programs for veterans.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Financial Hardship Assistance: The VA can sometimes provide financial hardship assistance for medical bills and other urgent needs.
8. Natural Disasters or Evacuations
Local Emergency Management Services: Veterans should follow local news and emergency management services for evacuation orders and shelter information.
Red Cross: The Red Cross can provide shelter, food, and other necessities during a disaster. They can be reached at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
9. Legal Emergencies
Veterans Legal Services Organizations: Contact local or national organizations that provide legal assistance to veterans, such as the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program or Legal Help for Veterans.
With the holidays coming up, we need to stay vigilant in the protection of our nation’s heroes. The holidays, for many reasons, become dark times for those in our nation’s service and those who served. They are separated from their loved ones, stressed from their job, financially spread thin, feel cut off, and more. Make sure you consider those around you and check in on them.
These resources can provide critical support during various emergencies, ensuring that veterans receive the help they need. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, and ensure that the veteran or service member, or even their family, know that they have resources for when times are difficult. That one act of selflessness could mean the world to them.
