Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

Vetlife has a new app that allows veterans to connect directly to benefits and mental health tools in recognition of Men’s Mental Health Month.

The organization said they are “amplifying awareness around the urgent need for upstream, tech-enabled solutions to combat the silent struggles many male veterans face after service.” The nationally recognized app, “Battle Buddy,” is at the center of the initiative.

Officials said the app has already been downloaded over 60,000 times. Veterans are able to access a number of benefits, including disability compensation, mental health care, VA home loans and employment resources. The app also uses real-time data to reduce isolation, which often leads to crisis, by using real-time data to identify unmet needs.

“Too many veterans are suffering in silence because the system is complex and overwhelming,” Cortnie Parish, Vetlife Co-Founder, said. “Battle Buddy was created to simplify that journey and give veterans what they actually need–clarity, connection and community. Men’s Mental Health Month is a powerful reminder that checking in on your buddies–and yourself–can save lives.”

The majority of veterans who die by suicide are not connected to VA services, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs. Vetlife said they are working to change that by using power-led outreach and technology to empower veterans.

Vetlife spoke to a 36-year-old veteran named Jason, who shared how the app has helped him “I downloaded Battle Buddy on a bad day,” he said. “I didn’t expect much. But within hours, I had a benefits claim moving, a therapist appointment scheduled and a reason to believe in tomorrow. It felt like someone finally built something for us–not about us.”

Vetlife will host online discussions, resource drives and veteran check-in campaigns throughout the month. They are encouraging veterans, service providers and community members to download the app and “start the conversation that could change–or save–a life.”

The app is available through the QR code or through the App Store or Google Play.