Suicide prevention
If you're a Veteran who is thinking of Suicide yourself—or you know a Veteran who’s considering this—we can help. Our VA Central Iowa health care suicide prevention coordinators can get you the support you need. They work with our mental health providers and community organizations to assist Veterans who are managing emotional or mental health crises.
How do I talk to someone right now?
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7.
To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night:
- Call 988 and select 1.
- Start a confidential chat.
- Text 838255.
- For TTY, call 711 then 988.
You can also:
- Call 911.
- Go to the nearest emergency room.
- Go directly to your nearest VA medical center. It doesn’t matter what your discharge status is or if you’re enrolled in VA health care.
Find your nearest VA medical center
Connect with a care coordinator
Our suicide prevention coordinators can help you get ongoing support, like counseling and other services. Coordinators are available during regular business hours.
CONTACT:
Charles (Rich) Robson, LISW : Charles.Robson@va.gov or
Julie Gledhill, LISW: Julie.Gledhill@va.gov or
Care we provide at VA Central Iowa
- Veteran Crisis Line Consults and Referrals
- Evaluation and Referral for High Risk Individuals from Various settings.
- Education on risk assessment and connection to services for those at highest risk
- Lethal Means Safety Education and Resources including distribution of gunlocks
- Community outreach and referral for suicide prevention for Service Members, Veterans and their families (SMVF)