St. Cloud VA Health care
System announcement

News & Announcements

               The Veterans Crisis Line has a New Number

Today, the Veterans Crisis Line will have a new number: Dial 988 then Press 1. 

Veterans will still be able to call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, and text 838255 to reach responders. 

This change is a result of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, which requires all telephone service providers in the U.S. to activate 988 by July 16, 2022, for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline). 

Because VA administers the Veterans Crisis Line through the Lifeline’s national network, the Veterans Crisis Line is affected by this transition.

Dial 988 then Press 1 

The new, shorter number directly addresses the need for ease of access and clarity in times of crisis, both for Veterans and non-Veterans alike. 

Though the number is changing, the Veterans Crisis Line dedicated service is still the same. 

To reach the Veterans Crisis Line, Veterans will still Press 1 after dialing 988 to connect with qualified, caring responders. 

The Veterans Crisis Line is evaluating a possible new text option for Veterans and their supporters to reach caring, qualified responders 24/7. The implementation timeline is to be determined. 

The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide confidential crisis support to Veterans and their loved ones. 

For Veterans overseas, the 800 number will still remain active after the 988 launch. They may also contact responders via chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. If the Veteran prefers a phone call, they can request this within the chat venue. A Veterans Crisis Line responder will call them at the number they provide at no charge to the Veteran. 

After activation, Veterans will still be able to call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, and text 838255 to reach responders.