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TOP PHOTO: The VA North Texas Health Care System recently added Veterans Crisis Line wrapped vehicles to its fleet. Just in time for National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, the vehicles will help more people see this life-saving information in Dallas and the surrounding communities.

Photo by Michael Cole

TOP STORIES

In observance of Suicide Prevention Month, VA encourages Veterans, community leaders, co-workers, families and friends to #BeThere — to help prevent suicide — by being present, supportive and strong for those who may be going through a difficult time. READ MORE

VA and DoD collaboration offers women’s health transition training A new VA and DoD collaboration offers a virtual option for the Women’s Health Transition Training Program. The program provides service women with a deeper understanding of the women’s health services available to them. READ MORE

Pat Tillman: From NFL star to Army Ranger After the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Tillman completed the remainder of the 2011 season, then turned down a lucrative contract extension from the Cardinals to enlist in the Army. READ MORE

Borne the Battle 

On this week’s episode of Borne the Battle, Tanner Iskra interviews guest Todd Boeding, who shares his past, present and future as a Marine Corps Veteran, as well as his involvement honoring Veterans through Carry the Load.

Listen to the entire episode here: Borne the Battle #161

Veterans Crisis Line helps Iraq War Veteran Army Veteran Russell Fields used the Veterans Crisis Line to help overcome PTSD and depression brought on by his service in Iraq. READ MORE

VANTAGE POINT

• Artificial intelligence could help save kidneys
• VHA iEx Talks: VHA’s innovation story is its people, purpose, and passion
• Enslaved to Enlisted: Reddy Gray’s Grave is Underground Railroad site
• Patriot Boot Camp helps Veterans grow tech start-ups
• Veteran walks across country for suicide awareness
• WWII Veteran creates program for Post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients
• Sailors visit Oklahoma VA, honor Veterans who came before them
• Program connects homeless Veterans to employment initiatives

Join NCA and Carry The Load for a National Day of Service on September 11

On Wednesday, September 11, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) and Carry The Load (CTL) will partner on a national day of service at 40 national cemeteries across the country.

VA NEWS RELEASES

• VA to award more than $30 million in new grants to support formerly homeless Veterans
• Federal agencies partner to expand employment reintegration grants for homeless Veterans or those at risk of homelessness
• VA says “Don’t Go it Alone” on International Overdose Awareness Day 

Every September, Suicide Prevention Month gives individuals and communities across the country an opportunity to reflect on the ways we can all prevent suicide, including among Veterans.

You don’t need special training to help prevent suicide, and even simple actions of support can make a real difference to a Veteran going through a difficult time. For instance, asking how a Veteran is doing — and listening — shows you care.

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?

Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.