Connecting Veterans to essential services to prevent suicide

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Connecting veterans and their families with essential services to prevent suicide and homelessness is the goal of a veteran campaign in Illinois.

The Illinois Joining Forces is relaunching its Operation Connect-A-Vet, a program that connects veterans, their families, and essential services.

Board Chairwoman of Illinois Joining Forces, Erica Borggren said with the population of veterans growing in the state, "We recognize the incredible strength of veterans, but even the strongest among us benefit from support,” said Erica Borggren, Board Chairwoman of Illinois Joining Forces. “As a family member or friend, you can play a vital role in connecting veterans to the resources that can make a difference. This Veterans Day, let’s honor their service by standing alongside them and ensuring they have access to the support they’ve earned.”'

There are 537,000 veterans living in Illinois, with 49,000 of them being women. There are at least 700 veterans without housing, and 7% of them live below the poverty line. Suicide also disproportionately affects veterans, with 6,392 veterans across the country dying by suicide in 2021, according to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.

Executive Director of IJF, Brenda Osuch, said those numbers highlight the urgent need for accessible support, housing, health services, and financial assistance, as well as job opportunities, which can prevent suicide.

"Veterans don’t always ask for help, and that’s why we must offer support proactively," said Brenda Osuch, IJF Executive Director. “With Operation Connect-A-Vet, family members and friends have a straightforward way to connect veterans with the essential services they need. This program helps veterans navigate housing, employment, financial assistance, and benefits, preventing serious matters before they happen.”

To be a part of the operation, organizers say to reach out to a veteran in your life, and ask them how they are doing.

IJF said to access the program for more support, submit a request by calling 1-833-463-6453, emailing callcenter@illinoisjoiningforces.org, or using the Connect-A-Vet form.

After the Veteran is connected, team members will help them access housing, food, employment, mental health services, and other critical needs.

Operation Connect-A-Vet will run from November and December. For more information, click here.