National crisis hotline connects call to Robins Published Feb. 25, 2013 By Jenny Gordon Robins AFB Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Mental health professionals here were recently able to reach out to a military member in crisis - with a phone call through the national Veterans Crisis Line. The toll-free number was accessed by a former Robins Airman while en route to a new duty location. Counselors routed the call to the appointment line in the Mental Health Flight here. The caller was kept on the line until a mental health technician could provide support. "It was a save, if you will," said Lt. Col. Philip Bascom, 78th Air Base Wing mental health flight commander. "A number of things happened, with good, quick thinking on the part of the appointment staff, good policy and handling of the crisis, and of course the patient using that 800 number." He added that this is an especially critical time since military members are relocating to their next duty assignment. "Transitions are stressful for military and family members," he said. "In this case we helped bridge the connection." Senior Airman Ryan Fordham, a 78th Medical Group mental health technician, talked to the Airman on the phone for 20 minutes, providing immediate care in a time of need. "My training gave me the ability to manage the crisis and provide a positive hand-off to a provider who could do the necessary follow-up," he said. "It was a team effort from beginning to end." Bascom agreed. "This number really does work," said Bascom. "It's not just a call center. This particular call looped back to Robins, and is a good example that the process worked." How to reach out The Veterans Crisis Line may be accessed by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and pressing option 1. You may also text to 838255 or use a confidential online chat feature. Department of Veterans Affairs counselors are available to provide confidential and free support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You can also visit www.veteranscrisisline.net. Formerly known as the National Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline, since its launch in 2007, there have been more than 745,000 calls and more than 26,000 life-saving rescues.