IAVA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Host Live Event on the New 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
New 988 Number to Ease Access for Individuals, Veterans, in Distress
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 14, 2022
CONTACT: press@iava.org
New York, NY – On Thursday, September 15th, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will partner with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to host a panel discussion on the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
IAVA’s Associate Director, Government Affairs, Kaitlynne Hetrick, will sit down with Dr. Richard T. McKeon, Ph.D., Chief, Suicide Prevention Branch Center for Mental Health Services for SAMHSA to discuss the recent launch of the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the preparation, the rollout, and the implementation, and what this means for military and veteran families and more!
“IAVA is proud to join with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to highlight and share this critical resource for American families,” said Kaitlynne Hetrick, Associate Director, Government Affairs for IAVA. “Suicide prevention has been a top priority since IAVA’s founding, and we are excited that the 988 number is now live, which will enable veterans and all Americans to more easily access vital support during times of crisis.”
“It is important for every veteran and every American to be aware that 988 is now available to them as an easy way to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline,” said Dr. Richard McKeon, Chief of SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Branch. “This event will help contribute to that important awareness goal.”
| WHO: | Kaitlynne Hetrick, Associate Director, Government Affairs for IAVA Dr. Richard T. McKeon, Ph.D., Chief, Suicide Prevention Branch Center for Mental Health Services for SAMHSA. |
| WHAT: | The new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. |
| WHEN: | Thursday, September 15th at 11:30 am ET. |
| WHERE: | Join the Facebook Live event here. The event is open to the press. |
This event will provide an overview of IAVA’s advocacy efforts for the passage of the National Suicide Designation Act, as well as SAMHSA’s preparation, rollout, and implementation of the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. There will be time allotted for questions.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. For immediate assistance you can call 988 and dial 1 or text 988 and even chat with someone at 988lifeline.org.
IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 425,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.
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