Our mission
The Handicapped Veterans Association is developing a national network centered on a simple belief: regular human connection can change a veteran's life.
First, we reconnect veterans through state communities, local relationships, and shared experiences—giving them an opportunity to regain some of the camaraderie often lost after separation from military service. Second, we educate the public about veteran suicide, the warning signs, and the importance of helping veterans remain connected.
HVA's broader mission also includes helping veterans solve healthcare problems.
A public education effort
VA S.A.V.E. teaches four simple steps anyone can use to recognize warning signs, speak with a Veteran in crisis, and help connect that Veteran with support. Learn the steps, share the program, and help more people know how to respond.
Watch the VA S.A.V.E. training video
Scan to watch the videoFree VA S.A.V.E. online training provided through PsychArmorWhat we are building
Our first programs are being developed as the foundation of one connected national platform.
State-based veteran communities where members can reconnect, regain some of the camaraderie lost after separation from military service, and take part in conversations through a regular social timeline and local events.
Explore HVA Social →Nationally selected trips and state-led regional outings designed to give veterans meaningful reasons to reconnect and participate.
Program in development →The HVA difference
Our first HVA Social pilot communities are Kentucky, North Carolina, and Illinois. As the network grows, state communities will help members connect through their regional VA medical center and community-based outpatient clinic—mirroring a structure veterans already know.
Learn about the pilot →What research tells us
HVA Social is built on a practical idea supported by research: veteran-centered communities can create connection, strengthen peer support, and help people find appropriate care and resources. A social platform is not a substitute for professional care, but it can give veterans another place to be seen, heard, and connected.
“Increasing social connection and access to care has been found to decrease the rate of suicide in U.S. veterans.”
Researchers studying the VA's VOICES initiative found that community-based Veterans Socials were feasible and offered a promising way to foster connection and improve access to services.
Read the study →“Veterans were reluctant to disclose emotional and health issues on Facebook, but they were open to reaching out to others' concerning posts.”
Interviews with veterans found interest in helping peers who posted concerning messages online, and a desire for veteran-organization-backed training on how to respond effectively.
Read the study →Launching state by state
Kentucky, North Carolina, and Illinois will establish a repeatable model for local outreach, ongoing connection, veteran participation, and responsible state operations. They will begin appearing on HVASocial.org as each community is ready.
Help build the network
Join a community created to restore connection, camaraderie, participation, and mutual support.
Membership information →Help with outreach, events, state operations, or professional services.
Volunteer with HVA →Support a scalable national effort through sponsorship or strategic partnership.
Partner with HVA →Who membership serves
HVA brings veterans together around the healthcare system they share. Kentucky, North Carolina, and Illinois are the first pilot communities. As they become ready and the national directory is completed, members will be connected with their own state, regional VA medical center, and community-based outpatient clinic.
A community for all military
USMilitary.org is being developed for people from across the U.S. military community. When it is built, it will also provide a direct path back to HVA Social.
Visit USMilitary.org Stay connected
HVASocial.org will serve as the national gateway, listing each available state community and linking visitors to the appropriate public landing page.