Supporting Our Veterans During Their Transition From Uniformed Service to Civilian Life

Jan 12, 2018

Summary

Aims to give veterans better mental health care and suicide prevention help, especially in the first year after they leave the service.

What problem does this solve?

Some veterans have a very hard time adjusting to civilian life, and suicide rates are much higher in the first year after service. This order requires government agencies to work together to give these veterans easy access to mental health care and suicide prevention help.

What does this order do?

Establishes policy to support veteran mental health

Sets a national policy to support the health and well-being of service members and veterans, focusing on mental healthcare and suicide prevention during the first year of transition to civilian life.

Requires a Joint Action Plan

Directs the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security to create a Joint Action Plan for providing seamless access to mental health and suicide prevention resources.

Requires a status report on implementation

Requires a status report on the plan's implementation within 180 days, including progress, suggestions for reforms, and next steps.

Who does this affect?

Transitioning service members
Veterans

What is the real world impact?

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Reduces veteran suicide rates

Addresses the high suicide rate among veterans in their first year after service by mandating better access to mental healthcare. Aims to provide a support system during a difficult transition period to prevent tragic outcomes.

When does this start?

This order sets multiple deadlines for government agencies, starting from its signing date of January 9, 2018.

Joint Action Plan Submission

Within 60 days of January 9, 2018, the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security must submit a Joint Action Plan.

Implementation Status Report

Within 180 days of January 9, 2018, the Secretaries must submit a status report on the plan's implementation.