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May is a time to raise awareness about mental health, wellness, and suicide prevention. Many risks affect Veterans at higher rates, especially those in rural areas with limited access to care.
At the Durham VA Health Care System, we want every Veteran to know: you matter, and support is always available.
Firearm suicide rates remain significantly higher among Veterans than non‑Veterans, highlighting the importance of safety resources and early support.
VA offers several programs to help, including the National Lockbox Program, which provides a gun lockbox at no cost to eligible Veterans who request one.
Veterans, if you need support or want to learn more about available resources, reach out.
Taking the first step can make a real difference.
Click here to learn more.
Have questions for the Durham VA?
Join our live Veteran Tele‑Town Hall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Hear updates directly from leadership and get real‑time answers.
It’s an easy way to stay informed and stay connected.
Find call‑in info and submit questions ahead of time at Durham VA Health Care.
 Join us at the Garner VA Clinic on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a Veteran Resource Fair designed to help you explore the VA resources.
Connect with VA staff, meet resource partners, and discover services that support your health and well‑being.
As our nation marks Freedom 250 years of American independence, we honor the Veterans whose service has protected that freedom across generations. During Military Appreciation Month, we recognize those who have served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Your dedication inspires the work we do every day.
Thank you for carrying forward the promise of America into its next 250 years.
For event details and more opportunities to engage, visit Durham VA Health Care.
 At the Greenville VA HCC, a simple idea has grown into a powerful source of connection for Veterans. Suicide Prevention Peer Support Specialist Denise Grate began hosting a socialization group to help Veterans build community, and the group has expanded quickly. Each week, more Veterans join to find support, conversation, and a meaningful link back to the VA and fellow service members.
One member, Phyllis Brimage, first discovered the group while attending a routine appointment. After noticing an invitation to a Peer Support BINGO event, Phyllis decided to give it a try and has been a regular ever since. The immediate camaraderie and shared military experience made the group feel welcoming and familiar.
With guidance from Denise Grate and David Farrington, the group maintains a comfortable, supportive environment. They emphasize that the meetings are not therapy sessions, but a safe space to be present, participate, and connect. Activities range from discussions and BINGO to painting and creative projects, but the real highlight is the conversation, laughter, and sense of belonging.
" We chat, play bingo, paint, and enjoy each other’s company, Phyllis Shared. I’m really glad I joined the Peer Support Group. We’re all excited for the next meeting."
Veterans, families, and staff can access tools, education, and support for suicide prevention at our Durham VA resource page.
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World No Tobacco Day is May 31, and it’s a great opportunity for Veterans who use any form of tobacco to take the first step toward better health. Even one day can be a powerful starting point for breaking free from tobacco.
Not sure where to begin on Day 1?
• Take a moment to identify your personal reasons for quitting.
• Call VA’s tobacco quit line at 855‑QUIT‑VET (855‑784‑8838) to start building a quit plan.
• Talk with your VA health care provider about treatments and support options that fit your needs.
VHA tobacco cessation resources:
Veterans Health Library: https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/
As of October 1, 2019, the Durham VA Health Care System grounds and all our clinics are smoke-free to patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors, vendors, and employees. This includes not only cigarettes, but cigars, pipes, any other combustion of tobacco, and e-cigarettes, vape pens, and e-cigars.
If you wish to smoke, you must do so off Durham VA property.
Giving up smoking isn't easy, but it can be done!
Click for VA smoking cessation resources.
 HIV PrEP (Pre‑Exposure Prophylaxis) is a highly effective and safe medication that helps reduce the risk of HIV infection for people who may be exposed through sexual activity or injection drug use.
It is available as a daily pill or a monthly injection and is recommended for individuals with certain risk factors, such as inconsistent condom use, multiple partners, a partner with HIV, recent STIs, or sharing injection equipment.
Before starting PrEP, VA providers will discuss your health history, conduct necessary lab tests, and explain how to take the medication correctly.
While on PrEP, it’s important to adhere to your prescriptions, attend regular follow‑up visits, and report any symptoms or side effects.
Veterans interested in PrEP can contact their VA provider or click PrEP for more information.
Emotional and mental health distress can happen to anyone, often triggered by changes like relationship difficulties or job loss. Sometimes, distress leads people to think about self-harm or suicide. Veterans face a higher risk of suicide than civilians, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and know what to do.
Warning signs of a mental health crisis or suicide risk can include:
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Hopelessness or feeling no way out
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Talking about death or suicide
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Withdrawing from loved ones
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Risky or self-destructive behaviors
If someone is thinking about suicide—or showing immediate risk:
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Call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, Press 1
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Text 838255
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Chat at Veterans Crisis Line
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Go to your nearest ER or call 911
For more support and resources, visit:
Help is always here, please reach out.
Veterans can now schedule appointments and get quick support through the VA Health Chat app—no phone call needed.
VA Health Chat connects Veterans with VA staff for help with:
• Minor illnesses or injuries (allergies, cough, congestion, earaches, rashes, etc.)
• Scheduling appointments and handling administrative questions
• Refilling or asking questions about prescriptions
It’s one of the easiest ways to get fast, convenient access to VA care from anywhere.
Get started:mobile.va.gov/app/va-health-chat
 Encourage Veterans to promptly report any suspicious letters, phone calls, or messages they receive. Reporting helps protect their personal information and allows VA to take action against potential fraud. Veterans can report concerns through any of the following official channels:
• Office of Integrity and Compliance Helpline: 866‑842‑4357 or VHAOICHelpline@va.gov
• VSAFE Fraud Hotline: 833‑388‑VSAFE or https://vsafe.gov/
• VA OIG Hotline: 1‑800‑488‑8244
For updates and FAQs, visit the Durham VA Health Care System website.
Visit our Website: VA Durham Health Care
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