On January 9, 2018 President Trump signed Executive Order (EO) 13822 directing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD). and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address the complex challenges faced by our transitioning uniformed Service members and Veterans. The EO requires VA, DoD, and DHS to submit to the President a Joint Action Plan that describes actions to provide seamless access to mental health care and suicide prevention resources for transitioning Service members. The EO specifically emphasizes access to services during the critical first years period following discharge, separation, or retirement from military service. Additionally, the EO requires that within 180 days of the date of the Order, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Homeland Security submit to the President, a status report of the implementation of the Joint Action Plan detailing how the proposed reforms have been effective in improving mental health care for all transitioning uniformed Service members and Veterans. While the ultimate goal remains zero suicides, this Plan seeks systematic reductions in the number of Veteran suicides with progress measures by year-after-year reduction to zero. Recognizing that sometimes the warning signs for suicide do not appear until a Service member transitions from military to civilian life, this Plan seeks to eliminate the gaps in access to mental health and suicide prevention services. This Plan also seeks to eliminate barriers to care. [...]
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