Supporting last week’s National Buddy Check Week, BVA will continue for the foreseeable future with its own Buddy Check effort, carried out by the Association’s two graduating classes of Ambassadors. The effort includes a check on well-being and an offer of support. 

Ambassadors are trained blind and low vision volunteers who are passionate about helping other veterans. They are reaching out by phone or email simply to check in and provide information about BVA resources and services when appropriate. The Buddy Check is not a solicitation call. Its purpose is to offer support and friendship.

National Buddy Check Week is a nationwide campaign conducted annually. It is supported and promoted by VA, encouraging veterans to connect or reconnect with their veteran friends – just to check in. The campaign’s origin is The STRONG Veterans Act of 2022, which addresses mental health care provided by VA. It contains 27 sections requiring VA to work collaboratively with the Indian Health Service and other partners.

VA’s Buddy Check Week also builds on the success of the American Legion’s Buddy Check program and the Veteran Wellness Alliance’s Get Involved program.

If you are interested in learning more about BVA’s Buddy Check initiative, please send an email to membership@bva.org, or call 800-669-7079 and press Menu Option 2 (Member Relations).