On Veterans Day, we are reminded of the profound sacrifices made by the millions of men and women who have served our nation in both war and peace. This day serves as both a time for reflection and gratitude, and an opportunity to address the pressing mental health needs of our veterans.

One impactful way to honor their service is to promote the Veterans Crisis Line, a vital resource that can save lives. During our legislative session earlier this year, we were privileged to secure funding that allowed the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and the Alabama Challenge to implement a statewide billboard campaign to raise awareness about this essential service, which can be accessed by dialing 988. and pressing 1.

Alabama Challenge partners include the Office of Governor Kay Ivey, the Alabama Legislature, the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, the Alabama Department of Mental Health, the Alabama Department of Public Health and numerous other organizations. To secure funding for this initiative, we worked with the legislative budget chairs and the chairs of our military and veterans affairs committees, and their unwavering support for our veterans and military families is greatly appreciated.

This campaign is a testament to our commitment to making sure veterans, active duty service members and their families know they are not alone in their struggles. The billboard campaign stretches along I-65 from north to south Alabama and prominently displays the crucial message: Call 988 Press 1. Just as we instinctively call 911 in emergencies, we must encourage our veterans to ask for help when we face each other. a mental health crisis. Trained responders on the other end of the line are equipped to understand the unique challenges our service members and their families face.

Despite the availability of the Veterans Crisis Line in Alabama for the past two years, many veterans are unaware of this essential service. Our campaign aims to change that by reaching every corner of our state, making sure veterans and their families know they have access to immediate support. This initiative, which began in September to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Month, will continue for a year and will be supported by radio, television and social media outreach, as well as partnerships with veteran service organizations, colleges and universities.

But the strongest supporters of this message are the friends and family of our veterans. If you know a veteran, I urge you to take a moment to remind them that help is just a phone call away. You can share this information through veteran events, social media platforms, and other public places. The simple act of sharing the 988 Press 1 number could make a significant difference and save a life in a time of crisis.

This Veterans Day, let’s honor our heroes while also taking concrete steps to support them. As we gather in ceremony and prayer, please join me in sharing the Veterans Crisis Line message with our communities. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to those who have bravely defended our freedoms and ensure they know they are valued and cared for.

Together, we can end the stigma surrounding mental health and create an environment where veterans feel empowered to seek help. We should honor our veterans not just with words, but with meaningful actions that demonstrate our gratitude and support. This Veterans Day, let us be united in our mission to make sure every veteran knows they are not alone and that help is always available at 988 Press 1.