The COVID-19 pandemic has created severe hardships for Americans and communities across the country. With complex systems to navigate and unclear guidance from the VA, our nation’s veterans are in critical need of tailored support in this time of crisis.

To respond to this need, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is proud to accelerate the launch of our revamped high-tech, high-touch, comprehensive care management program, the Quick Reaction Force or QRF. We have designed this service to provide veterans and their families with assistance on all issues that touch their lives, such as financial support, mental health, housing and homelessness, legal needs, disability claims, education benefits, employment services, and finally, accessing and navigating VA benefits.

QRF builds off of IAVA’s flagship Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP) which, in its seven years of activation, connected over 10,000 veterans to critical resources. The revamped QRF focuses on long-term engagement on an individual basis to ensure immediate support is provided and veterans access the benefits and resources they’ve earned for long-term success.

QRF operates 24/7/365, and is free and completely anonymous. The program offers faster ways for veterans or their family members to get in touch with a personal Veteran Care Manager who can connect them to the proper resources to meet their needs. Veterans and their family members can reach out via phone by calling 1-855-91RAPID or they can fill out a digital intake form at QRF’s website, www.quickreactionforce.org.

In Q1 of 2020, IAVA helped 211 veterans get access to important resources. With the arrival of the coronavirus, Q2 has already seen an increase in veterans reaching out for help with employment, financial assistance, housing and navigation of VA health benefits. While IAVA had originally planned to launch QRF later this year, the clear need for veteran wrap-around services compelled us to offer the program immediately.

Our goal is simple: to provide immediate access to much-needed resources that position veterans and their families for success. QRF is available for any veteran or family member, regardless of era, discharge status or location. If you or your loved one is experiencing difficulties with the VA, access to benefits, mental health, finances, education, or any other challenge, please call 1-855-91RAPID today. Our team is standing by and available to help anytime, day or night.

From all of us at IAVA, we hope you and yours continue to stay safe and healthy-onward!