June 20, 2026
Support does not always begin with a crisis, a formal appointment, or someone knowing exactly what to ask for. Sometimes it starts with a simple question: “How are you doing this week?”
That simple question is at the heart of Early Alert, a new text-based service designed to help veterans stay connected to support before challenges become crises. It is also part of a larger question guiding our work: Are we reaching the people who need us most?
A New Way to Reach Veterans
The Arizona Coalition for Military Families is partnering with Early Alert to help connect Arizona veterans with the Be Connected support line – Arizona’s statewide, confidential, no-cost support line for Arizona service members, veterans, and their families. Through Be Connected, people can talk with someone who understands the military and veteran community and can help connect them to resources and support across Arizona.
This partnership brings together two important pieces.
- Early Alert creates a simple weekly pathway for checking in.
- Be Connected provides a trusted Arizona-based support connection when someone is ready for help.
Together, they help make support easier to find, easier to access, and easier to get started. Not every veteran is connected to the VA. Some veterans may not know where to begin to find support. Yet others might think that support is meant for those with needs greater than their own.
Early Alert helps create an easy entry point so Arizona veterans can connect with confidential support and resources that fit their situation.
A Simple Weekly Check-In
Texting is already part of everyday life for many people. It is quick, discreet, and easy to respond to when someone has a minute. Each week, Early Alert sends participating veterans a short check-in about one area of wellness. That might include mood, sleep, stress, physical health, relationships, social connection, finances, or another part of life that can affect overall well-being.
The check-in offers an important break from the everyday, a time to pause and reflect. The veteran can respond by text without having to make a phone call, schedule an appointment, or explain everything all at once. This can be an appealing choice for those who haven’t engaged with support services before. It’s a low-pressure way to test run what support is available and a reminder that they are not alone.
The idea is to raise awareness that there is an entire support system in Arizona available for veterans and make the next step, calling 866-4AZ-VETS, easier.
If a veteran replies that they are facing a challenge, the service can offer helpful resources, including the Be Connected support line.
Support in New Places
Some veterans may not be aware of the support and resources available in Arizona, so we’re doing everything we can to spread the word. Recently, we partnered with Valley Metro to place placards with support information on emergency call boxes at light rail stations in the Phoenix metro area. We’ve also launched a groundbreaking collaboration with marijuana dispensaries across the state to share support information in places veterans may already be going. That matters because some veterans may not know where to start. Some may not feel ready to call anyone. Some may be doing okay most of the time, but quietly carrying stress, financial pressure, health concerns, or life changes that can build over time.
Early Alert creates a simple, low-pressure way to check in, offer encouragement, and connect veterans to helpful support when they may need it.
Learn More About Early Alert | Weekly Text Check-Ins for Veterans
Support That Fits
Arizona’s veteran community is diverse. Some veterans are connected to services and benefits. Some are not. Some have strong family or community support. Others may be separated from family by distance, life circumstances, or strained relationships. Some are navigating major transitions, while others are managing everyday pressures.
Reaching veterans means widening the entryway into the ecosystem of support. It means reaching out in more than one way, because Arizona veterans have different needs, different experiences, and different starting points.
If you or a veteran you know could benefit from support, connection or help finding resources, we invite you to get connected.
Get Connected
Sign Up for Text Check-Ins
Sign up for Early Alert texts. They’re free and confidential.
Call 866-4AZ-VETS
The Be Connected support line offers confidential support and resources.
Visit Us Online
Find out what support is available. Visit ConnectVeterans.org/Call
