Reducing suicide risk

The number is almost as bad as it used to be: 20 veterans commit suicide each day, down from a previous 22. That number still is much too high. True to his word, however, President Donald Trump has signed an Executive

Order directing more supportive mental health care for service members who are now transitioning to veteran status.

Three agencies will work together on this: the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.

The target time for support and intervention is in that first year, with the stress of separating from the service and moving into civilian life. Some of those stresses include finances, relationships, legal concerns and substance abuse. One big problem has been that signs and symptoms haven’t appeared until after the transition to civilian life. Sixteen steps are planned, such as expanding community

outreach from 18 facilities to all of them, and extending Be There

Peer Support Call and Outreach Center services for a whole year after separation. Military One Source resources to active-duty members will be expanded and

include services for one year after separation. In addition, all separating service members will receive a mental-health screening; those who need care and support will be enrolled in services. Peer Support will include phone calls at specified intervals during the first year, with an initial goal to reach 60 percent of veterans.

If you’re about to separate or recently did, and you get a phone call, heads up. Pay attention not only for yourself but to gather information for other veterans you might know. Listen to what they say about the Easy Button

(a fast track for mental health appointments and care), the improved monitoring and resources, and the seamless access to treatment for mental health and suicide prevention.

To learn more, read the attachment to Executive Order

13822.