Question: The Department of Veterans Affairs suicide hot line has been in operation for some time now. Has it been successful?

For your benefit: Hot line has prevented 2,600 suicides Since July 2007, VA has operated an around-the-clock suicide-prevention hot line that has received about 100,000 calls and has been credited with rescuing more than 2,600 people. The number for VA's suicide-prevention hot line is (800) 273-TALK. New requests or referrals for mental health appointments receive a preliminary evaluation within 24 hours and a comprehensive evaluation with 14 days. VA operates Readjustment Counseling Centers, commonly called Vet Centers, in 232 communities, where veterans can receive care for a wide variety of issues related to leaving the military. For additional information, contact the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System at 433-0600.

Q: If a veteran dies in a VA hospital, does VA put a death notice or obituary in the local newspaper or newspaper where the veteran lived?

A: For confidentiality reasons, VA does not submit a death or obituary notice to newspapers. Such notices are at the discretion of the veteran's family or guardian and are handled by the funeral home with the family's guidance.