Senators Hassan and Ernst Invite Veterans to Join VA’s Second Annual National Buddy Check Week

WASHINGTON – Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) are encouraging veterans to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ second annual National Buddy Check Week, which starts today and goes through October 25th. The VA is hosting tomorrow the first-ever virtual Veteran Buddy Check Summit and is providing additional resources to educate veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks.

Senators Hassan and Ernst worked to pass into law in 2022 the legislation that institutes the yearly VA program to support veterans’ mental health, which is modeled after the American Legion’s “Buddy Check National Week of Calling” to connect veterans to other veterans in order to better ensure that they receive the support they need.

“Too often, those who’ve served our country face invisible battles long after their time in uniform ends,” said Senator Hassan. “National Buddy Check Week offers an opportunity for veterans to reconnect, support one another, and remind each other that they’re not alone. I encourage all veterans to participate in this week’s events. Your outreach to a fellow veteran just might be the lifeline that they need.”

“As a combat veteran, I know the transition from service to civilian life can be filled with mental health challenges,” said Senator Ernst. “I was proud to work alongside Senator Hassan to pass this bipartisan legislation which will provide veterans with the tools to support those closest to them. This week, I urge our veterans to connect or reconnect with their veteran friends – just to check in. It’s a simple measure that goes a long way to support the health and safety of those who have bravely served our nation.”

All of the resources that participants need can be found on VA’s National Buddy Check Week website, including information on how to join the virtual Veteran Buddy Check Summit, the Buddy Check Week Pledge, a tool to help find buddies and connect with others, and peer wellness training.

Senator Hassan has led bipartisan efforts to support service members, veterans, and their families. Last month, Senator Hassan hosted a conversation with veterans in Littleton focused on improving mental health resources and removing the barriers and stigma to getting that care, as well as how to better support Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and peer support groups. Senator Hassan also helped create and fund the 988 suicide hotline, which has a specified veterans crisis line that can be accessed by dialing 988 then pressing 1, or texting 838255. In 2022, President Biden signed into law bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Hassan to strengthen the Solid Start program, which contacts every veteran three times by phone in the first year after they leave active duty service to check in and help connect them to VA programs and benefits.

###