BE THE ONE is a set of resources for veterans in crisis, need, or who might be considering suicide.
Veterans who need help can telephone the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988,then press 1.
BE THE ONE RESOURCES FOR POSTS
(sample press releases, posters, etc.)
Be the One training (Veteran Suicide)
1. NEW! Be the One online training (two per month through May)
2. Be the One in person training at the Department HQ (click this link to register and FMI)
3. VA Save training (veterans suicide, similar to Be the One)
4. NEW! March 5, 2024 article on American Legion's Be the One program, with some tips in the article
Sept. 19, 2023 BE THE ONE
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Adds American Sign Language Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Callers
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s addition of nationwide American Sign Language (ASL) services for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as part of ongoing efforts to expand accessibility to behavioral health care for under-served communities. Since the July 2022 launch, the 988 Lifeline has received more than 5.5 million calls, texts, and chats, following a nearly $1 billion investment by the Biden-Harris Administration, and will now be available to the millions of Americans who use ASL.
“Individuals across America who use ASL as their primary language can now readily access the support they need during a mental health crisis,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "With the introduction of 988 ASL services, we are taking a significant stride forward in providing inclusive and accessible support for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. This is a testament to our ongoing commitment to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to mental health support."
To connect directly to a trained 988 Lifeline counselor in ASL, callers who are Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened can click the "ASL Now" button on 988lifeline.org and follow the prompts. Direct dialing to 988 from a videophone will be available in the coming weeks, and in the meantime, ASL callers can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) from their videophone to reach ASL services.