The Suicide Prevention campaign of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding its outreach by piloting an online one-on-one chat service for veterans.

Called "Veterans Chat," the new service enables veterans, their families and friends to go online where they can anonymously chat with a trained VA counselor. Veterans retain anonymity by entering whatever names they choose once they enter the one-on-one chat. They are joined by a counselor who is trained to provide information and respond to the requests and concerns of the caller.

"This online feature is intended to reach out to all veterans who may or may not be enrolled in the VA health care system and provide them with online access to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline," Dr. Gerald Cross, acting undersecretary for health, stated in a news release.

Since becoming operational in July 2007, the VA's Suicide Prevention Hotline has received more than 150,000 calls, resulting in 4,000 rescues.

"Chat responders are trained in an intervention method specifically developed for the chat line to assist people with emotional distress and concerns," said Dr. Janet Kemp, national suicide prevention coordinator at the VA medical center in Canandaigua, N.Y.

Veterans, family members or friends can access Veterans Chat through the suicide prevention Web site www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call the national hot line number (800) 273-TALK.