June 26, 2026 - This week the UWUA, led by the Veterans Committee, is unveiling a brand-new initiative to address members’ mental health challenges and prevent suicide by launching a mental health hotline.

UWUA members in crisis can call:

Regions 1, 2 & 3: (202) 988-9800

Regions 4 & 5: (213) 866-9902

The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This is a HIPAA-compliant phone line. Members’ privacy will be protected.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Suicidal individuals — especially men, and especially veterans — rarely ask for help. Studies show that success rates for suicide prevention increase dramatically when help is offered proactively, without waiting for someone to reach out.

UWUA members will staff the hotline once every 8 or 9 weeks for a full week. Each volunteer will be available and fit for duty 24 hours a day. Calls will be routed by region and will serve as the first line of defense to de-escalate a crisis situation.

The UWUA makes this important investment to acknowledge mental health as a rising public health crisis. This is just one of the ways we’re finding ways to better serve our members in 2026.

Please share the crisis hotline number widely with other members so it’s there for anyone who needs it. Every life matters.