Veterans with access to the OnStar system can now use it to access suicide prevention services, Department of Veterans Affairs officials announced this week.
Veterans with an active OnStar subscription will be able to reach VA's Veterans Crisis Line through the touch of a button in their vehicle or by using the smartphone app.
OnStar service is available on most General Motors vehicles for a subscription fee and provides emergency and driver assistance, vehicle diagnostics, navigation services and more. The service can be accessed through the OnStar button on a subscribed vehicle, or by using the connected mobile app.
Related: Lean more about veteran suicide prevention.
The VA/OnStar partnership gives veterans confidential around-the-clock support from VA's Veterans Crisis Line when they use the emergency services button in an OnStar-equipped vehicle or OnStar Guardian smartphone app, the release said.
"The VA-OnStar partnership aims to promote suicide prevention and reduce deaths by suicide by providing additional resources to veterans," VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a statement. "This partnership will help veterans access suicide prevention support services and assistance directly and immediately. More than 400 VA suicide prevention coordinators and their teams, located at every VA medical center, connect veterans with care and educate the community about suicide prevention programs and resources daily."
An average of 20 veterans die by suicide each day, according to the VA.
Veterans can also call the prevention line. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Veterans Crisis Hotline: 800-273-8255.
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