MIRECC / CoE

Rocky Mountain Short Takes on Suicide Prevention: Veterans Crisis Line: History, Purpose, and a Look Ahead with Director Matt Miller

25 May 2018

Curious about the Veterans Crisis Line? Join us for an in-depth conversation with VCL Director Matt Miller about its purpose, history, and what the future holds. Matt takes us on a journey from VCL's initial launch in 2007, to right now, for the ribbon-cutting of the 3rd call center in Topeka, Kansas. We talk about how VCL has expanded to meet increasing demand, responding to over 2000 calls each day. Matt tells us about the services VCL offers, who can use them, and how responders are trained to support Veterans and their loved ones. He also walks us through what happens when someone reaches out to the VCL, and explains the follow-up process connecting Veterans with their local VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator. Matt demystifies the crisis line experience and encourages everyone to be familiar with how to contact the VCL before a crisis happens, including saving the number 1-800-273-8255 press 1 into your phone. Tune in to learn about the latest technological advances being pioneered by the VCL, as well as research and continuous quality improvement underway.

Listen to the podcast

Tweet

Resources

Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1

Veterans Crisis Line website

Veterans Crisis Line Chat

Veterans Crisis Line Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals

Veterans Crisis Line Text at 838255

You can find all our podcasts at iTunes on your iPhone or on your Android device. You can also find all our episodes at our host site. Other places where you can find our podcasts include: iHeart Radio, and Blubrry.

Categories: Suicide Prevention