Every death by suicide is preventable. Those who are suffering from a mental health crisis should know there are resources available to them right now. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is working in collaboration with organizations across the state and nationally to work toward the ultimate goal of zero veteran suicides.
Crisis Lines
Veteran Crisis Line
If you are a veteran in crisis or you’re concerned about one, call 988 and press ‘1’ or text 838255 to get connected to the Veteran Crisis Line for 24/7/365 confidential crisis support. You will be connected to a real person qualified to support veterans. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to use the crisis line.
County Crisis Lines
For local support, County Crisis Lines are staffed by mental health professionals and trained volunteers. The operators are available by phone to assist county residents and visitors with problem-solving stressful situations and determining whether an individual can remain safely in the community or if facility-based care is required.
Wisconsin Department of Health Resources
Call or text 988. Chat at 988lifeline.orgThis is a free service available 24/7. Your conversation is confidential, unless there is imminent danger for you or others. Call 911 if you need emergency medical services.
Suicide Prevention: Help for Yourself
You are not alone if you are experiencing a difficult time. Caring and compassionate help is available for you. Call 911 if you need emergency medical services.
Suicide Prevention: Help for Someone Else
When someone you know is experiencing a difficult time, it can be scary to know how to act and what to do. You are not alone. Help is available for you and the person you are supporting.
Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP)
The Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) to connect veterans to community services and provide case management and support, with a special focus on treatment and recovery.
VORP staff work with community providers and professionals to provide assistance and connection to:
- Employment and Education
- Claims and Benefits Assistance
- Housing and Utilities
- Financial Assistance
- Substance Use Treatment
- Mental Health Services
Wisconsin’s Gun Shop Project & Safe Storage Program
Live Today – Put it Away is designed to assist gun shops in working with the gun owner community to provide two levels of support to help address firearm suicides:
- Firearm suicide prevention safety information: Gun shops are providing materials to their customers and staff about Suicide Prevention and responsible firearm ownership developed by national organizations.
- Firearm storage outside of the home: Live today – Put it Away! The gun shops provide customers firearm storage for a low fee. This service has been developed to assist individuals that are in a crisis to voluntarily store their firearms outside of the home.
Find out more and see the gun shop map at betherewis.com.
Wisconsin Governor’s Challenge
Responding to the need for a state-wide suicide prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has partnered with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to bring the Governor’s Challenges to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families to states and communities across the Nation.
Question, Persuade, Refer Training
Modeled after CPR training which trains civilians to resuscitate a person in physical distress – QPR trains civilians to identify possible suicidal intentions, talk to the person, and get the person referred to professional help.
To find out more about the QPR Institute, visit qprinstitute.com.
Free, Local QPR Training
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs offers free, local QPR training throughout the state.
To find out more information contact Cal Stammer at 608-733-1791 or email at calvin2.stammer@dva.wisconsin.gov.
Additional Resources
You do not need to be a professional in order to help a veteran who may be going through a difficult time. There are a number of free, confidential, and vetted resources available 24/7/365.
