EVALUATION OF VA PAID MEDIA CAMPAIGNS
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (OMHSP) unite the nation’s 200+ crisis centers under a universally accessible, easy-to-remember three-digit number, 988, as the new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). Then, in July 2022, the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) migrated from its former standalone seven-digit format to the first selection option when dialing 988.
Since Veterans constitute a disproportionate number of suicide victims and face 1.5 times (to sometimes 3-fold) higher risk of ending their lives, this scourge among our military heroes is a public health crisis of the highest priority. Mandated by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, Veterans can reach a qualified crisis counselor when they dial 988 then press 1 to speak with professionals trained and knowledgeable in preventing suicide and helping with other mental health challenges that former service members are more likely to face such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC is supporting VA’s OMHSP in evaluating the effectiveness of the Dial 988 then Press 1 media campaign in promoting awareness and utilization of the VCL.
“Our goal of improving the state of public health in this country, especially among my fellow Veterans, parallels that of VA’s initiative as we believe in its ability to improve accessibility for Veterans in distress to connect them with trained crisis responders and empower them to reach out 24/7 via their preferred channel.”
– Eleanor Thornton, President & CEO
Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC.
I believe this initiative helps make sure Veterans in distress know exactly where and how to reach out to trained crisis responders when it matters most. This isn’t just your ordinary initiative; it is of the utmost importance and affects us all.
United States Air Force | President & Chief Executive Officer
In keeping with VA’s mission to prevent Veteran suicide, I am proud to be involved in evaluating the effectiveness and reach of the Dial 988 then Press 1 media campaign promoting the Veterans Crisis Line.
United States Air Force | Chief Operating Officer/Co-Owner
I lost two friends to suicide while on active duty and a Brother-in-Law since I retired. I only wish there had been a service like Dial 988 then Press 1. This service gives the helpless and hopeless a much-needed lifeline, and maybe a last chance.
United States Air Force | Chief Strategy Officer
I feel it is important to provide continued support to our Veterans. Visionary Consulting Partners is making a difference by ensuring we raise awareness of the Veteran Crisis Line for Veterans who are emotionally distressed to the point of a crisis or emergency.
United States Army | Director of Programs and Operations
The best feeling in the world was returning home from a long deployment to be with family, friends, and a community that cares for you. These evaluation efforts seek to provide Veterans a feeling of home internally with support externally. I believe this is the best kind of community development that we all benefit from!
United States Navy | Senior Project Manager
Just like when we were on active duty, mental health and wellness is a top priority of Veterans Affairs and Visionary Consulting Partners. It is extremely important you complete the survey or join a focus group to provide VA with valuable insight on the effectiveness of their outreach campaign.
United States Army | Senior Outreach Specialist