News

June 2011

Courage to Call has expanded! Originally operating in alliance with Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) and Mental Health America of San Diego County, our already dynamic collaborative now includes partnerships with 211 San Diego and the San Diego Veterans Coalition (SDVC).

Courage to Call provides around-the-clock supportive guidance, information and referral services to veterans, active duty military, reservists, National Guardsmen and their families. Its goal is to help clients to connect with services that will enable them to develop coping skills, improve communication, decrease anxiety or depression, overcome substance abuse, build healthy relationships and adjust to life after the military.

The addition of 211 San Diego, the premiere local information and referral line, links veterans and their family members to 6,000 health and human service programs provided by more than 2,000 community agencies. Their joining the collaborative will enhance its efficiency in providing countywide referrals. Further strengthening the collaborative, SDVC has come on board to offer county funded education and outreach services to veterans and their families. Among these new education and outreach services, SDVC will offer a weekly radio show and work with the Veterans Treatment Review Calendar, which is a pilot program through San Diego Superior Court that was designed to assist war veterans facing criminal problems.

The Courage to Call program is open to anyone who has served in a branch of the military (regardless of discharge status), as well as their families and loved ones. Please share the Courage to Call number with friends, family, coworkers and associates. Organizations, agencies and providers are also encouraged to call for education about awareness and understanding of military family culture. Until July 1, calls should continue to be made to (877) MyUSVet (877-698-7838), after July 1, simply dial 211.

Courage to Call is funded by County of San Diego Mental Health Services, under the California Mental Health Services Act/Prevention and Early Intervention.

A collaborative partnership with