Have you or a member of your household served in the military? Did you know that the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) can connect them to their benefits and other assistance programs? All services are free and confidential.

It all starts by calling 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838). Lean on the MVAA to link those who are military connected to their benefits. Resources available right now:

• Veterans Crisis Line. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit veteranscrisisline.net/. For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
• Vet Centers. Discuss how you feel with other veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70 percent of Vet Center staff are veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
• VA Mental Health Services Guide. This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.
• MakeTheConnection.net. Visit for information, resources, and veteran to veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.
• RallyPoint. Talk to other veterans online. Discuss: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of U.S. involvement?
• Download VA's self-help apps. Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Request a Peer Mentor.
• VA Women Veterans Call Center. Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern).
• VA Caregiver Support Line. Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern).
• Together We Served. Find your battle buddies through unit pages.
• George W. Bush Institute. Need help or want to talk? Check In or call 1-630-522-4904 or email checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org.
• Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes. Join the Community.
• American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network. Peer Support and Mentoring.
• Team Red, White & Blue. Hundreds of events weekly. Find a chapter in your area.
• Student Veterans of America. Find a campus chapter to connect with.
• Team Rubicon. Find a local support squad.
• Michigan Veteran Navigator Program, MDHHS - Veteran Navigators (michigan.gov).

For additional information visit Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency online or call 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838).