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State Representative Patti Fritz
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8237
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
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FRITZ CRISIS HOTLINE FOR VETERANS BECOMES A REALITY
St. Paul, MN – Legislation introduced by Rep. Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault) in early March calling for the creation of a telephone hot line for veterans became a reality on August 1st. The toll-free line will be open 24 hours and day, 7 days a week. The phone number is 1-888-LINKVET
Fritz said the need for such a service became apparent following the suicide of a Marine from New Prague, who was reportedly turned away from two VA hospitals where he went seeking help for depression. This prompted Fritz to look for ways to increase the availability of mental health services for veterans.
"A regular 8-5 number is not always the answer," said Fritz. "Many times, late nights and week-ends present the greatest challenge for someone struggling with depression.
My hope is that this crisis hotline can help pull one of these brave men or women through a dark time, and also lead them to the appropriate level of care."
In addition to offering crisis counseling and referral, the line will also help veterans access information on benefits, such as health care and education. It will be manned by workers in the Department of Veterans Affairs and Crisis Connection, a Twin Cities - based nonprofit mental health center.
According to the Disabled American Veterans Association, 35 percent of Iraq war veterans returning home use some form of mental health services in their first year back. With 2,600 Minnesota veterans returning home soon, over 900 may need some form of help.
"We need to do everything in our power to help our veterans adjust to civilian life after they return home," said Fritz. "This hotline is in place just in time to welcome hundreds of veterans back to our communities."
News Items
- STATE REP. PATTI FRITZ PARTICIPATES IN START OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:32PM)
- Rep. Fritz: Homeowners, Farmers Need Property Tax Relief - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- Rep. Fritz: Let’s Vote on a Bonding Bill that Benefits All - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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