Media

IAVA Launches Expanded Flagship Peer to Peer Assistance Program in Response to COVID-19

April 14, 2020
Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 10, 2020
CONTACT: press@IAVA.org

Quick Reaction Force Offers Veterans Critical Assistance and Access to Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic

New York, NY – Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is excited to announce the modernization and expansion of IAVA’s flagship program — Quick Reaction Force (QRF). This free program provides 24/7 confidential peer-to-peer support, comprehensive care management and resource connections for any assistance a veteran needs.

In light of skyrocketing unemployment, severe reduction of in-person health care options and a general increase in mental health concerns for all Americans, IAVA’s newly expanded peer-to-peer assistance program ensures that all veterans, regardless of service era, discharge status or geographic location will have access to important information and resources during these uncertain times.

Veterans and the veteran community will be able to anonymously receive no-cost assistance for everything ranging from health benefits to employment help. Once a veteran reaches out, they are connected with a Veteran Care Manager who will assist them or connect them to the right resource for an issue. The full scope of the program and ways to connect to QRF can be found here.

“These are incredibly challenging times for the entire country and, in light of sporadic and often contradictory guidance coming from the government, it can be especially difficult for veterans to understand the changing landscape of VA benefits, how to find non-governmental assistance programs, or simply to find another veteran to speak with,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. “We want to provide all veterans and their family members with easy access to the information and resources they need in order to safely navigate this crisis and whatever comes next. The QRF program is an important part of IAVA and we urge veterans going through hard times to reach out, any time day or night.”

Founded by an Iraq veteran in 2004, IAVA is the non-partisan leader in advocacy, public awareness and 1-on-1 care management and peer support. We organize locallydrive historic impacts nationally and fight for over 400,000 veterans and their allies nationwide. If a veteran or their family is in need of assistance now, please reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 1-855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist you.