Suicide Risk and Health Care Utilization Among Veterans Contacting the Veterans Crisis Line: Retrospective Cohort Study

The findings underscore the critical role of the VCL in facilitating access to health care for veterans experiencing a crisis and the necessity of targeted interventions for high-risk groups. The evolution in VCL user profiles and contact characteristics suggests ongoing changes in veterans' needs and preferences, reinforcing the importance of continuous adaptation of suicide prevention strategies. Future evaluations should focus on longitudinal outcomes and qualitative user experiences to enhance the effectiveness of crisis intervention services for veterans.