Oklahoma City VA’s Initiative: Addressing Veteran Mental Health, But How Effective?
The VA in Oklahoma City has unveiled an innovative program, the Veterans Mobile Evaluation Team (VMET), designed as a new approach for addressing mental health crises among veterans. This initiativ… The Veterans Mobile Evaluation Team (VMET) in Oklahoma City has been introduced as a new approach for addressing mental health crises among veterans. The initiative involves collaboration between the VA and local law enforcement to redirect veterans from potential legal troubles to suitable mental health interventions. VMET advocates for a personalized approach to veterans’ mental health issues, including homelessness, substance abuse, PTSD, and military sexual trauma. The team members, many of whom are veterans, can relate to veterans based on their mutual understanding and experience. The establishment of VMET highlights ongoing challenges within the VA’s mental health care system and calls for comprehensive reforms to ensure veterans receive timely, effective support.
Published : 4 weeks ago by Editorial Staff in Health
The VA in Oklahoma City has unveiled an innovative program, the Veterans Mobile Evaluation Team (VMET), designed as a new approach for addressing mental health crises among veterans. This initiative signals a pivotal collaboration between the VA and local law enforcement, aiming to redirect veterans from potential legal troubles to suitable mental health interventions.
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Sgt. Ryan Hogle from the OKC VA Police Department emphasizes the program’s intention: “We have a ton of resources here other than someone going to jail,” indicating VMET’s foundational aim to offer veterans an alternative to incarceration by ensuring they receive the mental health care they need during crises.
The program advocates for a personalized approach to veterans’ mental health issues, acknowledging the specialized needs related to homelessness, substance abuse, PTSD, and military sexual trauma. Leslie Franklin, the community engagement and partnerships coordinator, notes, “Having homeless issues, substance use issues, PTSD, military sexual trauma – these are all things that are very unique to veterans and require a tailored response.”
A key strength of VMET is its composition of team members, many of whom are veterans. This shared background is crucial for building rapport with veterans in crisis. “Most of us are veterans. We’ve dealt with the system. We know the ins and outs of it,” Hogle shares, highlighting the team’s capability to relate to and effectively assist veterans based on mutual understanding and experience.
An incident in Harrah illustrates VMET’s role in shifting the focus from punitive measures to care. After a welfare check escalated, VMET intervened to transfer the veteran from police custody to hospital care, showcasing the program’s core mission in action. “Many times, the legal system gets bound down with veterans that don’t need to be there. They need to be getting mental health treatment,” Hogle asserts, reaffirming the necessity of prioritizing mental health support over legal penalties for veterans.
Reflections on Systemic Issues and the Path Forward
The establishment of VMET in Oklahoma City, while a significant advancement, also brings to light the ongoing challenges within the VA’s mental health care system. The program’s necessity speaks volumes about the existing gaps in care and the critical demand for comprehensive reforms to ensure veterans across the country receive the timely, effective support they deserve.
What is the Veterans Mobile Evaluation Team (VMET)?
The VMET is a specialized unit launched by the Oklahoma City VA, designed to provide immediate, on-the-scene mental health support to veterans experiencing crises. It aims to offer an alternative to legal action by facilitating access to mental health services for veterans in need.
How does VMET interact with law enforcement?
VMET collaborates closely with local law enforcement agencies. When officers encounter a veteran in a mental health crisis, they can call upon VMET to intervene. As Sgt. Ryan Hogle explains, “We have a ton of resources here other than someone going to jail,” emphasizing the program’s role in providing alternatives to incarceration.
What kind of issues does VMET address?
VMET is equipped to deal with a range of issues uniquely affecting veterans, such as homelessness, substance abuse, PTSD, and military sexual trauma. Leslie Franklin notes the importance of a tailored response, stating, “These are all things that are very unique to veterans and require a tailored response.”
Yes, many VMET team members are veterans. This shared experience allows them to relate to the veterans they are helping on a personal level. Sgt. Hogle, a veteran himself, says, “Most of us are veterans… We know the problems that it has. So, we can instantly relate to a veteran on scene.”
How can veterans or their families get in touch with VMET?
While VMET primarily responds to calls from law enforcement during crises, veterans or their families seeking assistance can reach out to the OKC VA for support and resources. For immediate assistance, contacting the VA’s crisis line or local VA Suicide Prevention Team can also direct families to the necessary services.
Topics: Social Issues