Veterans report a higher risk of suicide than the general public, with recent research suggesting 20 veterans die from suicide each day.
To address this issue, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new initiative called Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health — Veterans Enhanced Treatment, also known as Reach Vet. This program analyzes data from veterans' health records, using a predictive model to identify those at risk for suicide, hospitalization or illness, among other adverse events.
A VA mental health or primary care provider will reach out to these at-risk veterans to review their conditions and treatment plans. If needed, this provider will also connect the veteran with specialized care and support. The goal is to provide veterans with preemptive care, even before a veteran has suicidal thoughts.
"Reach Vet is a game changer in our effort to reduce veteran suicide," said Caitlin Thompson, PhD, national director of the VA Office for Suicide Prevention. "Early intervention can lead to better recovery outcomes, lessen the likelihood of challenges becoming crises and reduce the stress that veterans and their loved ones face."