Due to unforeseen circumstances, NAVA will NOT be having the Pow-Wow this year.

Mission Statement

Native American Veterans Association (NAVA) serves and honors men and women who have served active duty and their families. We aid in their transition from a warrior’s journey to civilian life through readjustment assistance, strengthening family ties, links to mental health and wellness services, and career and educational training.

Signed into law in 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline). Because the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the Veterans Crisis Line through the Lifeline’s national network, the Veterans Crisis Line was affected by this transition. Below are important points of information to know as this functionality is stood up.

988 Overview

• Suicide is preventable, and each of us has a role to play in suicide prevention. Quick, easy access to services in times of crisis, which provide hope and connection to resources, can and does save Veterans’ lives.

• On July 16, 2022, the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) will have a new number: 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.

• This change is the result of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, which designated 988 as the universal telephone number within the U.S. for purposes of the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system, operating through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and VCL.

• Upon 988 activation, Veterans may still dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, which will continue to be operational. VCL text (838255) and chat services remain unchanged

• (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat).

• Crisis support, available 24/7/365, is one critical component of implementation of the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide (2018).

988 Preparation and Collaboration

• VA has been preparing Veterans for this change through ongoing updates on the VCL website: What is 988? (veteranscrisisline.net).

• A full external campaign marketing 988 for VCL will launch July 16, 2022, with social media, press releases and paid media. Ongoing updates on 988 implementation will be available across all VA platforms.

• VCL conducted assessments, analyses and forecasting projections to prepare for 988 implementation over the past 2 years, studying closely the United Kingdom’s implementation of a three-digit number for crisis services.

• VA also worked across the enterprise to ensure preparedness for a successful launch, with a focus on proactive hiring and technology modernization.

• VA is also grateful and proud for the effective external collaboration that enabled this success, including with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Domestic Policy Council, among others.

988-Related VCL Staffing and Process Improvements

• VCL staffing has increased from 886 onboard personnel in April 2021 to 1390 in June 2022, with a notable increase of 56% in VCL responders. Hiring is ongoing.

• VCL has also proactively enhanced operations, including information technology modernization, complex caller interventions and process streamlining.

• In preparation for a potential increase in service demand on July 16, 2022, and thereafter, a full interdisciplinary VCL team developed a comprehensive plan to absorb additional demand and continue to maximize access.

Way Ahead

• VA looks forward to the 988 transition as a milestone in our collaborative work to advance access to world-class care and services.

• VA will be actively listening to Veteran feedback on the change and will continue to center on cultivating trust and providing an excellent experience of seeking care. We look forward to continuing to provide updates on the positive impact this will create.

• VA wishes to recognize the resiliency of the Veterans we serve and reiterate the honor and pride we have in serving those who have served this Nation so well.

To apply, click here or click on the flyer above and fill out the questionnaire today! If you have additional questions, please visit our FAQs page or email us at veterans@dmh.lacounty.gov.

Looking Back / Looking Forward

We recognize it is the perfect time to recommit to what should never change. Our work must always be consistent with our vision and mission: We are a non-profit organization that prepares and educates veterans organizations, community health agencies, government leaders, educational institutions, and the Native American community to bring the deserved services to Native American veterans and veterans at large.

A “thank you" to all the Board Officers and members who have generously given their time and commitment in building and growing NAVA into what it is today.