Thank you for helping us celebrate the VCL expansion!

Today we celebrate the expansion of our team and the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). Together with Senator Ron Wyden, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Chair Deborah Kafoury, Commissioner Sharon Meieran, Dwight Holton and VCL team leadership and staff, we cut the ribbon on the new space.

Dwight Holton (CEO of Lines for Life), Kelly Fitzpatrick (Oregon Director of Veteran Affairs), Dr. John Draper, (Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), Senator Ron Wyden, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury, and Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran cut the ribbon the newly expanded space for the VCL team at Lines for Life HQ.

We are humbled by the leadership of Senator Wyden who was instrumental in securing this contract with the National VCL and recognizing our team and services both in Oregon and in DC.

Veterans Administration, Vibrant Health and national VCL representatives joined local mental health professionals, veterans service providers, community leaders, volunteers and staff to highlight why the VCL line is an essential part of the solution to helping Veterans in crisis.

Ryan speaking at VCL Ribbon Cutting ceremony

During the ceremony, Ryan Seymour, Military Crisis Intervention Specialist and Former Oregon Army Guard Sergeant, shared his experience and reason for joining the team, “When my friend from the army died by suicide, I thought to myself, ‘What do I need to do to be part of the solution?’” Ryan joins several members of a new 30 person team with connections to Military Service. His dedication and experience provides common ground for callers in crisis. We are honored to serve Veterans after they have served us and our country.

Thank you everyone for being a part of preventing substance abuse and suicide in Oregon and beyond.