Last week the White House hosted the National Conference on Mental Health. President Obama announced that money, specialists and efforts would be poured into the Veterans Affairs Department in an effort to get help to every veteran and family member who needs it.

It is a gallant step in the right direction.

As part of his call to arms, the president announced that the VA has already met his challenge to hire 1,600 new mental health professionals. The department’s crisis line has increased its capacity by 50 percent. More than 150 VA centers across the nation will host mental health summits with community partners.

In a speech last week, Obama specifically addressed the need to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for mental illness.

That is the key.

Without a shift in mindset no amount of money or counselors are going to convince suffering military members and their families to seek help.

War is hell. Coming home and living with the aftermath can be absolute torture. And too often, the men and women who suffer the most also suffer in silence. They are our nation’s warriors. To admit a need for help, may seem to them, akin to admitting defeat.

The thousands of recently hired counselors are not going to help them step out of the shadows. Neither can the millions of dollars the government is willing to spend.

This is a job for us - spouses, children, parents, neighbors.

Our husbands, mothers, sons and daughters risked everything to fight for us. It is our turn to fight for them. The perceived stigma of seeking treatment will only dissipate if we provide a safe environment for them to do so.

If your veteran is suffering, contact the VA. Ask for guidance and then be the safe, gentle, positive force that leads your veteran to seek help.

They can’t do it without us. They won’t do it without us. Please help.