The Department of Veterans Affairs, Facebook and the Red Cross are giving video calling devices to veterans, caregivers and families to keep them connected during the coronavirus pandemic.
The devices are available starting today.
VA partnered with Facebook to provide more than 7,400 of the video calling devices, also called "Portals." and the American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network will store and ship them to eligible veterans in pairs. The Portals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and normally retail for about $129.
The goal of the program to provide devices is to support veteran mental health through social connection during the pandemic, which has caused widespread isolation to prevent further spread of the virus which has already claimed hundreds of veterans and sickened thousands more nationwide.
“Veterans, families and caregivers will benefit through an increased support system,” VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a statement Wednesday. “Our goal is for veterans to feel less isolated through more communication. We believe this technology will help veterans who might otherwise be unreachable.”
The devices require a Facebook account to work and let users video call their Facebook friends or WhatsApp contacts, allowing veterans to call friends and family even if they don't have a Portal. The devices do require a WiFi connection or cellular data hotspot.
The Portals are home video communication devices equipped with cameras and capable of allowing for hands-free video chats. The devices also have Amazon's Alexa built-in, according to VA, allowing users to listen to music, set timers, add items to an online shopping list and more.
“As a proud supporter of the military and veteran community, Facebook is committed to providing veterans with meaningful ways to connect with the people they care about,” said Payton Iheme, military and veteran policy lead at Facebook. “We hope that by using these Portal video-calling devices veterans and their caregivers will be able to feel less isolated and more present with their friends and family no matter where they are.”
The partnership was initiated by the PREVENTS office, tasked with supporting the presidential task force of the same name to develop and implement a national plan to address veteran suicide. VA data shows about 20 veterans die by suicide daily, and the department reports an increase in calls to the Veteran Crisis Line recently, with a growing number related to virus concerns.
VA this week also said it saw the number of virtual mental health appointments skyrocket last month.
Those who participate in one of VA's caregiver support programs or in any of VA's geriatric and extended care services programs may qualify to receive a free video calling device.
It could take about four to six weeks for veterans to receive the Portals once they're approved, according to the Red Cross.
“The American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network is honored to play a role in the distribution of these Portals by Facebook in partnership with VA,” said Melissa Comeau of the American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network. “This partnership is committed to meeting the needs of military and veteran caregivers who are experiencing social isolation and is achieved through a shared appreciation for the use of technology to bring support.”
For more information on eligibility, or to request a Portal, click here.
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