NATIONAL VETERANS FOUNDATION TO EXPAND ONE OF A KIND CRISIS HOTLINE

The National Outreach campaign will target Iraq/Afghan war veterans within top 22 media markets, and top 24 states by way of U.S. veterans population. LA Based Service Provider Earns Grant from CA Community Foundation’s, Iraq-Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund.

Los Angeles: Two decades ago, the National Veterans Foundation (NVF) launched what has become one of the most indispensable resources for veterans and families grappling with the lasting scars of war—a national toll-free helpline (888-777-4443, M-F, 9a.m.-9p.m.) staffed entirely by fellow veterans, trained to listen, counsel and guide those in need to whatever services they require, no matter where or when they are needed.

Thanks to a recent grant from the Iraq-Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund of the California Community Foundation, the NVF announced plans to expand this vital program—the only one of its kind for veterans in America—on July 1st. Its plans include more call center staff, expanded hours of operation to Saturdays and Sundays, and an intensive 2 year national outreach program (Public Service Announcements, Grassroots Outreach) that will get this potentially life-saving phone number in the hands of the newest generation of veterans and families who need help…

The National Outreach campaign will target Iraq/Afghan war veterans within top 22 media markets, and top 24 states by way of U.S. veterans population.

Since its inception, the NVF’s “Lifeline” for Veterans and their families has fielded more than 275,000 calls —from the suicidal, homeless, those struggling with PTSD and addiction, those fighting to obtain promised benefits, and thousands more who thought they had no where else to turn. The “Lifeline” provides information, crisis intervention and counseling, referrals to community based providers, benefits advocacy, and ongoing case management services to all veterans and families, nationwide.

And while pre-9-11, most of the Foundation’s callers were veterans of Vietnam, Korea, WWII and the Cold War, nearly 40% of its current requests for assistance come from veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Today’s announcement comes amidst a flurry of recent reports about the rising tide of physical and psychological aftercare needs facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and the difficulties that many who seek help are already encountering—both inside and outside of the VA system.

“History has shown that the problems veterans face when they come home get worse when there is no one available to listen and really understand,” noted NVF President and Founder Shad Meshad. “Our helpline expands access to services and support, and that’s the first step towards preventing those in need from falling through the cracks.”

Meshad is a Vietnam Vet, Clinical Social Worker, founder of the VA’s Vet Center Counseling Program, and among the world’s foremost experts on veterans readjustment issues and the diagnosis and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“The scars of war can last a lifetime, and they are often felt in the loneliest, darkest hours of the night,” Meshad added. “That’s why continued public support for the NVF is so desperately needed, and why our focus will remain on expanding the helpline to 24/7.”

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