For veterans facing mental health challenges, the 988 Veterans Crisis Line provides immediate, confidential support from trained responders—many of whom are fellow veterans. A research team from the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation (IHPI) studied the impact of this lifesaving service and found that, of nearly 250,000 calls to the Veterans Crisis Line, about 11% resulted in emergency dispatches. This IHPI research spotlight offers valuable insight into the complex factors contributing to the elevated suicide risk among military veterans and underscores the importance of expanding access to mental health care and strengthening social support systems.
