Veterans in crisis urged to call alternative number
Current technical issues with the Department of Veterans Administration crisis hotline system had the Kerr County Veterans Service office issuing a notice to area military veterans on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
Some callers are having intermittent trouble accessing the VA Veterans Crisis Line, according to Kerr County Veterans Service Officer Jennifer Sanchez.
“This issue may directly impact veterans who are seeking support by calling the 688 hotline, then pressing 1,” Sanchez said. “So, we’re monitoring the situation closely, and the federal government is working to get this fixed as soon as possible.”
Alternative Access
While the problem is being sorted, veterans are encouraged to reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing (toll-free) 1-877-267-6030 or 1-800-MYVA411 and pressing “7”.
Veterans may also text the crisis line at 838255. Or, if they prefer chat, they may utilize that option at VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat.
VA leaders said that they are putting up alerts across VA websites and social media accounts to ensure that veterans in need know how to reach it. Additionally, the VA said it is working across the federal government to do everything it can to identify and reach any veterans who may have had trouble accessing the crisis line.
“If you are a veteran and need support, please don’t put it off. There is help available,” Sanchez said.