Throughout the history of our country, Rhode Islanders have been called to defend the principles upon which our great nation was founded. They have done so honorably and bravely, most recently ensuring the United States homeland remains safe from terrorist attacks over the last 20 years.

Recent events in Afghanistan can trigger complicated waves of emotions for Veterans who served there, and even for service members of other eras. If you’re a veteran in need of someone to talk to, resources, or any other type of service, help is available.

The RIServes confidential network at the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services (RIVETS) can be reached by calling (401) 921-2119, or referrals can be made online at riserves.org. RIServes provides peer-to-peer veteran case management, referral and support services for veterans, active-duty service members, and military families.

The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7, connecting service members, Veterans, as well as their family members and friends, with qualified, caring responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline. Call 1-800-273-8255, and press 1. Online chat is available at www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat.

The Vet Center, located in Warwick, provides a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services to combat veterans and their families. The Vet Center guides veterans and their families through many of the major adjustments in lifestyle that often occur after a veteran returns from combat. Call (401) 739-0167 to connect to the local Vet Center.

BH Link is a one-stop, statewide 24/7 call-in center at (401) 414-LINK (5465) that connects people to appropriate care and resources when they – or someone they care about – is experiencing a behavioral health crisis. BH Link also offers a community-based walk-in facility at 975 Waterman Ave. in East Providence, where clinicians connect people to immediate, stabilizing emergency behavioral health services, and long-term care and recovery supports.

It is the priority of RIVETS that veterans, active-duty personnel, and military families know that they are not alone – we stand together at all times in service to our state, our nation, and one another.