RESOURCES
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or in emotional distress, please contact the National 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255). You can call, text or chat 988 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Veterans can use this new option by dialing 988 and pressing one to connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous number (800) 273-8255 and press 1, by text (838255) and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat.
The Recovery Village
FloridaRehab.com is a free web resource that provides information about addiction, eating disorders and mental health issues. Many veterans struggle with stress and mental illness, which increases their risk of developing substance use disorders. Our goal is to spread awareness of substance abuse and to be an informational recourse for those impacted by alcohol and drug dependence.
Veterans Guide
Our mission is to assist veterans with an array of issues they may face, including obtaining proper disability compensation, financial assistance, information on the GI Bill and more. We have created some helpful guides and will continually be adding more. Check out our organization: Veterans Guide, veteransguide.org. What is important to us is providing resources and help for veterans and their families. We want to make sure vets have all the resources necessary to ensure they struggle with their health and finances as little as possible.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
TAPS, taps.org is the national organization providing compassionate care for all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Founded in 1994, the mission of TAPS is to provide peer-based emotional support to all those who are grieving the death of someone whose life included military service to the United States. Call 24/7, (800) 959-8277.
FDVA, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
Honoring those who served the United States. With 1.4 million veterans, Florida is the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs is the premier point of entry for Florida veterans to access earned services, benefits and support. Thank you for your service. We honor you.
FDVA Benefits and Assistance Division
9500 Bay Pines Blvd. Suite 214
Bay Pines, FL 33744
(727) 319-7440
floridavets.org
US DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, CLINIC
Sebring VA Clinic
5901 US Highway 27 South
Sebring, FL 33870-2117
Main Phone: (863) 471-6227
VA health connect: (877)741-3400
Mental health: (863) 471-6227
Telecommunications Relay Services: TTY-711
Lakeland VA Clinic
2080 Meadowland Park Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33803-4326
Main phone: (863) 7012470
VA health connect: (877) 741-3400
Telecommunications Relay Services: TTY-711
Highlands County Veterans Services Office (VSO)
The County VSO serves the veteran and/or family by providing services and assisting in the application for additional benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Such benefits may include disability compensation, non-service connected pensions, information regarding home loan certification, funeral or burial reimbursements and VA medical enrolment. The VSO also assists with benefits offered by Highlands County, state or federal governments.
Veteran Service Office
7209 South George Blvd.
Sebring, FL 33875
(863) 402-6623
highlandsfl.gov/departments/community-programs/veterans/index.php
American Legion Family Support Network
Despite a steady decline of activations and deployments of National Guard and Reservists, more than 50,000 are currently on federal active duty around the world. The American Legion’s Family Support Network stands ready to assist those families that face special challenges due to activation and deployments, concerned citizens, families and military personnel can request assistance through the Family Support Network by calling the toll-free hotline (800) 504-4098 or via the web at legion.org/familysupport
Mothers of Veterans Suicide
Providing HOPE and healing to the mothers and families of Military and Veterans Suicide. Our Programs include:
Mobile Outreach providing resources and awareness.
FREE Grief Therapy weekly for three months.
Awareness Events with survivor families.
MOVS Soulful Grief Retreats
Mothers of Veteran Suicide Online Grief Support
Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren Family Resources Fund