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In support of The STRONG Veterans Act of 2022, VA established the National Veteran Buddy Check Week. This year, it will take place Oct. 21 – 25, 2024. Veteran Buddy Check Week aims to enhance peer-to-peer connections, improve mental health, and increase access to VA and non-VA resources. Veteran family members, caregivers and survivors are also encouraged to participate.
Many of your buddies may be doing well, while others may need some encouragement. Whether it’s a call, a text or coffee break, reaching out makes all the difference! Buddy Check is a call to action for all Veterans to reaffirm their bonds and the connections that unite them across the nation.
Take the training before reaching out and talking to your buddies. The training helps you recognize signs of distress and educates you on available resources you can recommend if needed.
By taking the pledge, you can subscribe to resources and connect throughout the year to continue making a meaningful difference.
Explore new ways of finding your battle buddies and friends using Together We Served’s Buddy Finder and RallyPoint. Share your stories, insights and how your buddy checks are going now through October 30. VA will be facilitating forums on Together We Served and RallyPoint to ask questions and share stories of Veterans connecting with peers, friends and families from service.
VA’s Veterans Experience Office VetResources Community Network is hosting the first-ever Veteran Buddy Check Summit with the American Red Cross. The half-day event will feature a Buddy Check town hall with VA Secretary Denis McDonough and include presentations from various organizations like The American Legion, American Red Cross, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and American Corporate Partners.
Watch the half-day event live from American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 22, 2024 from 9:00 – 11:15 a.m. ET.
Resources
- Visit VA’s National Buddy Check Week website to learn more about Veteran Buddy Checks, access additional resources, and subscribe to emails to receive up-to-date information to support your Buddy Checks.
- Help us raise awareness about Veteran Buddy Check Week by leveraging this outreach kit to help spread the word. Download Outreach Kit Now!
- Other options include 1-800-MyVA411, Don’t Wait. Reach Out., and VA’s Welcome Kit. The VA S.A.V.E. training equips individuals to act with care and compassion if they encounter a Veteran in crisis.
- 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is always the right number. VA’s “front door” for all Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors may use to access VA resources.
