← Back to briefing
Health
Desperate for Help, a Marine Battles Phone Trees, Hold Music, and Indifference
By Evan Slusser ·
The War Horse
· Wednesday, February 25, 2026
· 1 min read
↗ Share
📋 Copy link
𝕏
in
f
WA
✉
Health
D
War Horse
';this.onerror=null">
Quick read
A Marine is struggling to get help due to difficulties with phone systems. The individual initially remains calm and polite while navigating the phone tree. They are asked to select from a list of opt
A Marine is struggling to get help due to difficulties with phone systems. The individual initially remains calm and polite while navigating the phone tree. They are asked to select from a list of options and then describe their reason for calling.
The Marine is put on hold multiple times, listening to music while waiting to be connected to a representative. They are given options to press numbers for different services, including substance abuse and mental health. Further details about the Marine's experience are available from The War Horse.
The source provides more information about the challenges faced by the individual in seeking help.
Originally reported by
The War Horse .
Read the original article →
Health
Virtual reality pain treatment expands for veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding access to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-authorized virtual reality (VR) therapy design
D
DAV
Our analysis The struggles of a Marine trying to access mental health services highlight the significant barriers that veterans often face when seeking help. The experience of being transferred from one recording to another, only to be met with a full voicemail box, is a stark reminder of the need for more streamlined and veteran-centric support systems. This incident underscores the importance of the Veterans Crisis Line, which can be reached by calling 988 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255, providing a direct and immediate connection to trained responders. The local mental health clinic's inability to provide timely assistance also raises questions about the availability of resources and the capacity of clinics to handle the demand for services. As the VA and local healthcare providers work to improve access to care, it is crucial that they prioritize the needs of veterans and implement systems that are responsive, efficient, and compassionate.
Health
Live Whole Health #320: You deserve a break
Do you spend hours jumping between screens, messages and tasks during the day? Over time, this can make your mind tired and your body stiff.
VN
VA News
Health
First in VA to receive cutting-edge epilepsy treatment
A groundbreaking laser procedure offers a safer option for epilepsy treatment Back in 1980, when Robert Lindemann decided to enlist in the A
VN
VA News