SALEM – The Oregon Dept. of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) continues to be at the tip of the sword in response to Warrior Care and Suicide Outreach. Across the nation, November will be recognized as Warrior Care Month.
 
The Plymouth colony first cared for veterans beginning in 1636. Three hundred and seventy-two years later, the United States continues to provide the best possible care for our greatest assets. Communication has changed throughout the centuries. To address the communication needs of our younger warriors and families, the Department of Defense (DoD) has developed a new website portal, Warrior Care. Warrior Care is available online at www.warriorcare.mil.
 
The website serves as a portal for each branch of the US Armed Forces. Whether you are currently active-duty military, veteran, a family member, or a concerned neighbor, DoD encourages you to visit the links on this site for answers to your questions or ideas for where to turn next.

One of the greatest tragedies of human life is suicide. There are a number of reasons why a citizen may take their life. For military veterans they include, but not limited to, the following:

-- Illicit drug use
-- Service connected injuries
-- Chronic pain
-- Deployments to combat zones
-- Frequent deployments
-- Overuse of alcohol
-- Financial hardships
-- Exposure to extreme stress
-- Military sexual trauma
-- Length of deployments

The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has founded a national suicide prevention hotline to ensure veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. Veterans can call the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and press "1" to be routed to the Veterans Hotline.

ODVA provides additional information online at www.oregon.gov/ODVA/SUICIDE.shtml. ODVA also provides a county-by-county statewide directory of resources available from the United States Dept. of Veterans' Affairs, ODVA, and the 36 counties of Oregon. The Directory is online at www.oregon.gov/ODVA/VSODIRECT.

We, like you, understand that there is no greater calling than to care for those that ensured our freedom. ODVA stands ready to continue supporting America's great military families.

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