From National Council.org:
On Friday, President Obama signed an executive order directing key federal agencies to expand suicide prevention strategies and improve access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for veterans, service members, and their families.
Citing an obligation to “build an integrated network of support capable of providing effective mental health services,” the order includes an array of directions for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other federal agencies. Collaboration with community-based providers – including community mental health clinics and substance abuse treatment facilities – was specifically required, particularly for areas where the Department of Veterans Affairs has had challenges in providing timely access to services for veterans. In addition, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services must expand the capacity of the Veterans Crisis Line by 50% and “ensure that any veteran identifying him or herself as being in crisis connects with a mental health professional or trained mental health worker within 24 hours.”
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