In-the-News Update [Issue: Civil-Safe Society]

Within the past couple of weeks, the Veterans Administration finalized a new policy that aims to combat the ever-growing epidemic of veteran suicide and other mental health emergencies. The policy change constitutes a shift in how the VA addresses mental health crises and suicide amongst veterans; granting them better access to care, at no cost, even if the veteran is not enrolled with the VA. It also expands upon the eligible resources available to veterans in acute suicidal crisis by allowing them to seek treatment at both VA and non-VA healthcare facilities; including “inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days.” As stated before, veterans DO NOT need to be enrolled in the VA to be able to take advantage of these new benefits. So, if you know a veteran struggling with their mental health or are yourself a veteran dealing with a suicidal crisis, please reach out to the 988 VA crisis hotline for 24/7 access to mental healthcare professionals. More details in the story below.