By Michael Brewer – Special to the Alpine Mountaineer

Since Jan. 17, 2023, all veterans can request emergency mental health care at no cost at any Veterans Affairs location or non-VA health care facility, regardless of whether they are enrolled in the VA health care system.

The new program applies to all veterans who have been honorably discharged, whether or not they qualify for all the VA medical benefits. The VA plans to waive any cost for mental health assistance for a provider outside the VA. They will reimburse the mental health vendor for the professional fee, transportation and some follow-up expenses.

Veterans experiencing a mental health emergency can now contact the new Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1. Friends and family can also text 838255 or visit veterancrisisline.net.

Recently, one of the mountain veterans who recently moved out of state took his own life, leaving his wife and daughters. This saga marches on. If you know of anyone who is in a state of anguish, feel free to reach out to the Rim of the World Veterans for support at [email protected].