VA suicide hotline woes part of bigger problem: Your Say

Some calls to a Veterans Affairs suicide hotline went to voicemail, an inspector general investigation found. Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

Why is anyone surprised? Remember those people on hidden waiting lists in Phoenix. It took over nine months for me to get to a doctor. Nothing the Department of Veterans Affairs does should come as a surprise.

— Richard Kendall

Wow, what’s the point of having a crisis line when some calls go to voicemail? I hope they get the problems worked out — and soon.

— Debbie Anhaiser

The report found the problem happens when calls are routed to a backup crisis center, and one in six calls go to a backup. In 2014, 20 known calls went to voicemail at one center, the report says.

That record is not perfect, but better than many governmental or private services.

— Larry Gavin

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The fact is that individuals who call the hotline have problems that are overwhelming. The length of time each call lasts varies. You could provide all the help possible with available resources and still not be able to give all the help needed.

That being said, Congress still inadequately funds mental health programs for all Americans.

— Catherine Switzer