Posted on Nov 16, 2021
The Pentagon Is Failing to Screen Most Transitioning Troops for Suicide Risk, Watchdog Says
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12 Nov 2021
Military.com | By Travis Tritten
Most new veterans aren't getting screened for suicide risk and may be missing mental health treatment in the crucial first years of transitioning to civilian life, despite a presidential order that the military provide the service, the Defense Department inspector general found in a new report released Friday.
The Pentagon screened only about one-third -- 34% in 2020 and 30% in 2019 -- of transitioning troops, who face an overall risk of suicide that's three times higher than active-duty service members, the IG reported.
It was supposed to screen 100% by the end of 2018, according to a joint plan with the Veterans Affairs Department.
As the military grapples with a persistent suicide epidemic, the lack of transition screenings for those at higher risk of taking their lives may have impaired the Pentagon and the VA's ability to predict health care needs and dole out benefits at discharge, and may have jeopardized the safety of veterans, according to the IG.
"The overall DoD approaches and services for arranging continuity of mental health care are not resulting in uninterrupted care for all service members," the watchdog said in the report.
In 2018, former President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon and the VA to ensure veterans receive "seamless access to high-quality mental healthcare and suicide prevention resources as they transition, with an emphasis on the 1-year period following separation." About four months later, the DoD and the VA issued the joint action plan for creating screenings and continual care.
Military.com | By Travis Tritten
Most new veterans aren't getting screened for suicide risk and may be missing mental health treatment in the crucial first years of transitioning to civilian life, despite a presidential order that the military provide the service, the Defense Department inspector general found in a new report released Friday.
The Pentagon screened only about one-third -- 34% in 2020 and 30% in 2019 -- of transitioning troops, who face an overall risk of suicide that's three times higher than active-duty service members, the IG reported.
It was supposed to screen 100% by the end of 2018, according to a joint plan with the Veterans Affairs Department.
As the military grapples with a persistent suicide epidemic, the lack of transition screenings for those at higher risk of taking their lives may have impaired the Pentagon and the VA's ability to predict health care needs and dole out benefits at discharge, and may have jeopardized the safety of veterans, according to the IG.
"The overall DoD approaches and services for arranging continuity of mental health care are not resulting in uninterrupted care for all service members," the watchdog said in the report.
In 2018, former President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon and the VA to ensure veterans receive "seamless access to high-quality mental healthcare and suicide prevention resources as they transition, with an emphasis on the 1-year period following separation." About four months later, the DoD and the VA issued the joint action plan for creating screenings and continual care.
The Pentagon Is Failing to Screen Most Transitioning Troops for Suicide Risk, Watchdog Says
Posted from military.comPosted in these groups: 
Suicide
Suicide
Posted >1 y ago
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The VA need to make better use of some of their funds. Overall, I think the VA does a fantastic job and it's getting better and better, like, using more of those specialized nurses, rather than replacing some of the doctors with more doctors when the leave. That's OK, the nurses know what they are doing. We're in good hands.
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