Category: California News

California Veterans Health Initiative to Combat Suicide and Address Mental Health

Sacramento – Today, Governor Newsom announced $50 million for the establishment of the California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI). The CVHI will deliver a comprehensive, coordinated statewide approach to ending veteran suicide by focusing on prevention, early intervention, and direct services to effectively combat the risk factors associated with suicidal ideation.

“On behalf of California’s veterans and their families, I would like to thank Governor Newsom and his Administration for their support of those who have worn this nation’s uniform. The Governor’s investment in the California Veterans Health Initiative displays his strong commitment to face a challenge that disproportionately affects California’s veterans and their families,” said CalVet Secretary Vito Imbasciani MD. “This is an unprecedented investment in the well-being of our veterans and their families, for which we are grateful.”

The CVHI will bolster awareness, outreach, and education efforts, as well as increase capacity through coordinated support of the community-based systems of care.

“It is vital veterans and their families have timely access to culturally competent mental health services,” said Keith Boylan, Deputy Secretary for Veteran Services. “The CVHI will support a structure that not only ensures help is there when most needed, but far upstream before challenges become emergencies, and worse yet, tragedies.”

The Initiative consists of three main components, including:

Outreach and Education Campaign ($5 million). The CVHI will strategically address the risk factors associated with veteran suicide through an awareness campaign that educates veterans, stakeholders, partners, and the broader community on the knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes surrounding veteran suicide. The campaign will target prevention activities, and promote health and wellness.

Veteran Mental Health Support Network ($40 million). The Initiative would expand access to mental healthcare for veterans and their families by supporting a network of veteran-specific mental health clinics throughout the state. Crisis intervention and treatment would be inclusive, equitable, and available to veterans regardless of age, period of service, type of service, discharge status, or disability rating.

Veteran Suicide Surveillance and Review Program ($5 million). CVHI will establish a multidisciplinary team of professionals and stakeholders focusing on the identification and collection of veteran specific suicide data. Additionally, the team will coordinate a statewide assessment of veteran’s mental health and provide recommendations on future prevention, intervention, and post-intervention strategies.

For more information on the Governor’s 2022-2023 May Budget Revision, visit dof.ca.gov.​

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Link to NEWS RELEASE: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/Pages/NEWS-RELEASE-California-Veterans-Health-Initiative-to-Combat-Suicide-and-Address-Mental-Health.aspx

Veteran Services Division

Dear California Veterans,

First, I would like to wish you and your families a very Happy New Year! The 2021 year certainly came with its challenges and again required all of us to remain vigilant for the health and safety of our families, flexible to the changing landscapes of work, school, and home life. Similar to the year 2020, 2021 required a steadfast resilience that, at times, could be exhausting if not all together overwhelming. However, 2022 is here and with it, and every new year comes renewed promise, hope, and inspiration.

The Veterans Services Division (VSD) will look to assist California’s veterans and their families as they stabilize and secure their surroundings in 2022. Every month, we will feature an area of focus while providing you outreach, service, and training opportunities in support of the theme to assist you all in reaching your goals for the new year.

The focus in January will be on employment as we host a series of webinars that provide connections to numerous career opportunities offered through federal, state, and private employers. We will also highlight opportunities to start your own business, training through apprenticeship programs, resume writing, and interview techniques.

Currently, there are over 2400 federal employment opportunities in California and over 3800 employment opportunities with the State of California. Work for Warriors, a program operated through the California National Guard and our long-time partner, will also be joining the series of webinars. In fact, Work for Warriors and its cohort of employers are currently offering more than 1800 openings in a variety of occupational fields throughout the state.
Please join CalTAP on January 11th, 18th, and 25th to learn more about employment opportunities available for you. Additional opportunities to connect with individual employers and learn more about their companies will be available throughout the year. Check out our upcoming webinars and archives page for more information.

Again, Happy New Year…and we look forward to a happy and healthy 2022!

Keith Boylan

Deputy Secretary, Veteran Services Division

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