Much progress has been made in the field of suicide prevention and mental health in recent years. The VA plan for transitioning soldiers targets service members in the post-9/11 generation who are at an increased risk of suicide to engage with them before the moment of crisis. These improvements are crucial in dealing with suicide issues. But more must be done. Kim's plan to improve access to quality mental health care includes:
- To retain and attract quality psychologists, the VA should provide a competitive salary equal to the private sector and create a loan forgiveness program to pay off their student loans.
- Allow veterans seeking immediate care access to Medicare so veterans can obtain specialized care when needed.
- Invest in alternative therapies that show positive evidence outcomes for mental health injuries.
Members of the National Guard and Reserve Component of the Armed Forces are an important part of our military. These vital members of our military must have access and support to mental health care. Kim plan will call for:
- All National Guardsmen and Reservists have access to mental health care no matter how long they have served on active duty and regardless of deployments
- Educational outreach to National Guardsmen and Reservists about mental health and suicide prevention services that are available to them.
- Expand tel-health resources to extend to National Guardsmen and Reservists, including those never federally activated or called to active duty.
