VA now allows veterans in suicidal crisis to go to any VA or non-VA healthcare facility for free emergency healthcare
Veterans in acute suicidal crisis can now go to any VA or non-VA healthcare facility for emergency health care at no cost — including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days.
Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to use this benefit. This expansion will increase access to acute suicide care for up to 9 million veterans who are not currently enrolled in the VA system.
The final policy, which took effect on Jan. 17, allows the VA to:
- Provide, pay for, or reimburse for treatment of eligible individuals’ emergency suicide care, transportation costs, and follow-up care at a VA or non-VA facility for up to 30 days of inpatient care and 90 days of outpatient care.
- Make appropriate referrals for care following the period of emergency suicide care.
- Determine eligibility for other VA services and benefits.
- Refer eligible individuals for appropriate VA programs and benefits following the period of emergency suicide care.
Eligible individuals, regardless of VA enrollment status, are:
- Veterans who were discharged or released from active duty after more than 24 months of active service under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former members of the armed forces, including reserve service members, who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation either directly or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former members of the armed forces who were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.
If you or someone you know is struggling: Don’t wait. Reach out. Visit www.va.gov/REACH for resources and information, or call 988 (then press 1) to quickly connect with caring, qualified crisis support 24/7.
Veteran Resource Navigator
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) has a comprehensive online resource guide (VETERAN RESOURCE NAVIGATOR) available to assist veterans in finding the benefits that are most useful to their unique circumstances at this time.
Use the link below for the Veteran Resource Navigator
https://www.oregon.gov/
USE THIS LINK TO OPEN THE VA WELCOME KIT
Print out your VA Welcome Kit
Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.
Based on where you are in life, your VA benefits and services can support you in different ways. Keep your welcome kit handy, so you can turn to it throughout your life—like when it’s time to go to school, get a job, buy a house, get health care, retire, or make plans for your care as you age.
Download your VA Welcome Kit
You are welcome to share this guide with friends or family members who need help with their benefits too. You can print out copies for yourself and others:
Download our guides to VA benefits and services
For Veterans
For family members
Explore VA.gov to learn about your benefits
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Disability
File a claim for disability compensation for conditions related to your military service, and manage your benefits over time.
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Health care
Apply for VA health care, find out how to access services, and manage your health and benefits online.
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Education and training
Apply for and manage your GI Bill and other education benefits to help pay for college and training programs.
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Housing assistance
Find out if you’re eligible for VA home loan programs to help you buy, build, repair, or keep a home. If you have a service-connected disability, see if you qualify for a housing grant to help you live more independently.
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Careers and employment
Apply for vocational rehabilitation services, get support for your Veteran-owned small business, and access other career resources.
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Life insurance
Explore VA life insurance options for Veterans, service members, and families. Manage your policy online, file claims for benefits, and access helpful resources.
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Pension
Apply for monthly payments for wartime Veterans and survivors with limited or no income who meet certain age and disability requirements.
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Burials and memorials
Get help planning a burial in a VA national cemetery, order a headstone or other memorial item to honor a Veteran’s service, and apply for survivor and dependent benefits.
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Records
Apply for a printed Veteran ID card, get your VA benefit letters and medical records, and learn how to apply for a discharge upgrade.
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Benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers
Learn about benefits for spouses and dependents of a Veteran or service member, including added support if you’re caring for a Veteran with a service-connected disability.
Other Resources Available to Veterans and Military Service Members
DD214 & Military Records Request:
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
Veteran Resource Navigator site by ODVA:
https://www.oregon.gov/
(Oregon)Military Help Line:
Call 888-457-4838
VA Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255:
Press 1.VA Confidential crisis chat at net or text to 838255
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD:
Defining Discharge Status:
How to apply for a discharge status upgrade:
https://www.va.gov/discharge-
Oregon Supportive Services for Vets & Families (Housing):
https://caporegon.org/what-we-
Clackamas County VSO’s (Veteran Service Officers):
https://www.clackamas.us/
Portland VA Clinic that can help with homelessness & medical care:
https://www.portland.va.gov/
Portland VA Mental Health Clinic:
https://www.portland.va.gov/
Veterans Crisis Line/ Suicide Prevention:
https://www.
If you are a veteran or family member with specific questions not addressed here, or if you need other direct assistance,
please contact an ODVA Resource Navigator by calling (503) 373-2085 or toll-free at 1-800-692-9666.
Contact ODVA Headquarters
Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs
700 Summer St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Web: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/Pages/default.aspx
Phone: (800) 692-9666 or (503) 373-2085
Fax: (503) 373-2392
Email:orvetsbenefits@odva.state.or.us