The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs is providing more resources for those experiencing mental health issues.
Veterans in a suicidal crisis can now go to any VA or non-VA healthcare facility for free emergency healthcare.
The expansion of care aims to prevent veteran suicide by guaranteeing no-cost, world-class care in times of crisis.
The policy allows VA to:
- Provide, pay for, or reimburse for treatment of eligible individuals’ emergency suicide care, transportation costs, and follow-up care at a VA or non-VA facility for up to 30 days of inpatient care and 90 days of outpatient care.
- Make appropriate referrals for care following the period of emergency suicide care.
- Determine eligibility for other VA services and benefits.
- Refer eligible individuals for appropriate VA programs and benefits following the period of emergency suicide care.
The effort will also increase access to acute suicide care for up to 9 million veterans who are not currently enrolled in the VA system.
All VA sites in Southern Nevada provide same-day services for veterans with urgent mental health needs during regular business hours, as well as after-hours care in the emergency department at the North Las Vegas VA medical center.
For those in need of mental health resources, visit veteranscrisisline.net.