On January 9, the President signed an executive order, Supporting Our Veterans During Their Transition From Uniformed Service to Civilian Life.  This executive order directs the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security to develop a joint action plan to ensure that 60% of new Veterans who currently do not qualify for enrollment in health will receive mental health care for at least one year following their separation from service.  In addition to eliminating prior time limits, peer support services will be expanded.  Read more at https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/44292/.

 

Three days later, the US Department of Veterans Affairs announced that all of its more than 1,000 medical facilities across the country now offer same-day services for urgent primary and mental healthcare needs. Same-day services may include a face-to-face visit with a clinician; advice provided during a call with a nurse; a telehealth or video care visit; an appointment made with a specialist; or a prescription filled the same day, depending upon what best meets the needs of the Veteran.  For more info, go to https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/44400/.