Catch up quickly: The Veterans Mobile Evaluation Team (VMET) and Veterans Response Teams (VRT) are innovative programs designed to prevent Veteran incarceration and involuntary hospitalization during mental health crises, offering critical support and intervention, according to a Veterans Administration News report.
The big picture: VMET and VRT collaborate with local law enforcement to connect Veterans in crisis to VA care, reducing the risk of unnecessary incarceration. These programs aim to foster trust, provide immediate support, and facilitate long-term mental health treatment for Veterans.
By the numbers:
- Since 2018, VMET responded to 7,831 calls, with only 119 resulting in involuntary holds.
- Delaware’s VRT has trained over 200 officers from 65 agencies.
Zoom in:
- VMET involves VA clinicians and police officers responding to Veterans in crisis alongside local law enforcement, ensuring immediate mental health intervention rather than jail.
- VRT trains Veteran police officers to aid Veterans in crisis, leveraging shared experiences for deeper connections and support.
What we’re hearing:
- “One Veteran said the immediate support provided by our team helped him feel valued and understood during his critical moment,” shared Central Ohio VA Police Chief William Robinson.
- VRT’s peer relationships have led to long-term positive changes, with Veterans gaining stability, employment, and family reunification.
Why it matters: These programs not only save Veterans from incarceration and hospitalization but also help them build stable futures by connecting them with supportive services tailored to their unique challenges.
What’s next: VA is hosting virtual symposiums to expand the implementation of VMET and VRT across more facilities, aiming to enhance crisis response and prevent Veteran suicide nationwide.
The Life Anew Angle: For BIPOC Veterans, who often face systemic barriers and compounded trauma, initiatives like VMET and VRT are essential in providing accessible crisis intervention and culturally relevant care. Life Anew Behavioral Health shares a similar mission of empowering vulnerable communities by offering holistic, immediate mental health support. Programs like these align with our vision to help individuals restore mental health, feel valued, and lead productive lives in their communities.
