Chris Finds Hope Through the Florida Veterans Support Line
Chris hit the "send" icon on his phone, exhaled deeply as the line rang, and then heard a voice..."Thank you for calling the Florida Veterans Support Line. You're talking with a veteran. How can I help you?"
Chris began his conversation with Jamie, a Veteran Specific Intervention Specialist at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. He told Jamie he had served in Vietnam and that he needed financial assistance because he was out of work as part of the Family Medical Leave Act. Jamie asked specific questions about the areas where Chris was struggling and how he was coping. Through this conversation, Jamie learned that Chris needed help with his bills, food pantry items, and job search assistance. Chris was provided with multiple resources to assist with his needs and was referred to Care Coordination services for follow-up contact.
During the first follow up call, he told his Care Coordinator, Kelli, that his situation had worsened and that he had recently received an eviction notice. Chris also admitted that he was having thoughts of suicide and that he still owned the handgun he used at his previous job as a security officer. Kelli stayed on the phone with Chris, convinced him to agree to lock away the gun, and together they developed a safety plan that included some of his favorite activities.
Over the next few weeks Kelli followed up with Chris several times. Through the referrals given to Chris through the Florida Veterans Support Line, he had connected with a social worker at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital who was helping him build additional connections so he wouldn't feel isolated and unsupported. He also reported he had sold the gun to help pay his rent.
Chris says that he is no longer feeling suicidal and can now envision his future thanks to the support he received through the Florida Veterans Support Line and the local VA Hospital. He plans to soon move to Pennsylvania so he can be closer to his family.
Veterans, active duty military, and civilians can all receive guidance and emotional support through programs like the
Florida Veterans Support Line and
2-1-1. It takes the commitment of donors, corporate partners, and other community organizations for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to answer over 160,000 requests for help each year. Thank you for your support.