CC Aging Guide 2026 - Flipbook - Page 17
Answering the Call:
If you have a phone, you can help a Veteran in crisis
Everyone has a role to play in Veteran suicide prevention, and you don’t
have to be an expert to talk to a Veteran facing challenges.
A simple phone call can help a Veteran in crisis, whose emotional
struggles and health challenges may lead to thoughts of suicide.
Talking with a Veteran in crisis may seem daunting, but your
conversation can mean the difference between a tragic outcome
and a life saved.
When talking to a Veteran in crisis, remain calm and listen for signs
of distress or other clues that might indicate they need immediate
help. Examples include:
• Crying, yelling, rage, or anger
• Making concerning statements, such as:
• “My family would be better off if I wasn’t here.”
• “I can’t go on like this.”
• “No one can help me.”
Ask directly in a nonjudgmental tone:
“Are you thinking about taking your own life?”
If the response is “NO” (NOT suicidal)
and they do not appear to be in crisis
If the response is “YES” (individual
confirms they’re thinking about suicide)
Route the Veteran to appropriate local resources.
You can find resources in your area, including local suicide
prevention coordinators and crisis centers, using our
Resource Locator (VeteransCrisisLine.net/LocalResources).
Determine whether the Veteran is at imminent risk and if they’ve already inflicted self-harm or injured others or has an
immediate plan to do so, with access to means.
Follow the below steps to help keep the Veteran safe.
1. Try to find out where the Veteran is located and
whether anyone else is nearby.
2. Verify the Veteran’s phone number and, if
possible, obtain the last four digits of their
Social Security number.
3. Explain that you’ll add the Veterans Crisis Line
(Dial 988 then Press 1) into the call.
4. Complete a warm transfer. When the Veterans Crisis
Line responder answers, identify yourself, explain what’s
going on, and provide the Veteran’s information.
5. Ask the Veteran if they’d like you to remain on the phone
to talk to the responder together or disconnect so they
can speak to the responder privately.
6. If the Veteran asks you to disconnect, make sure the
Veteran is on the line with the Veterans Crisis Line
responder before hanging up.
For more information about the Veterans Crisis Line, visit VeteransCrisisLine.net.
For more information about VA’s suicide prevention resources,
visit MentalHealth.VA.gov/Suicide_Prevention.
2026 – 2027 Carroll County Division of Aging & Disabilities Resource Guide
09/2023
17
