The services aren’t screening for suicide risk and assuring resources for separating troops, IG finds
By Meghann Myers
Nov 12, 12:44 PM
A Defense Department inspector general report found that in addition to not consistently screening separating troops for suicide risk, mental health services were also not consistently available during transition. (Chris Hondros/Getty Images)
Federal law requires the Defense Department to screen for suicide risk among service members who are preparing to transition to civilian life, as well as ensure they have consistent access to mental health care during that time. But that hasn’t been happening.
A Defense Department inspector general report released Friday found that troops are not consistently being screened for suicide risk as they transition out of active-duty, and there is no oversight mechanism to ensure it. The report also found not everyone is getting plugged into VA health services immediately after transition.
“As a result, the DoD may not have identified mental health issues and suicide risk in transitioning Service members, impairing the ability of the DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify all current conditions, predict future health care needs, or provide benefits at discharge,” according to a Friday release. “Furthermore, the DoD may not arrange for continuing mental health care for the thousands of transitioning Service members with existing mental health conditions, jeopardizing their safety.”
https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/11/12/the-services-arent-screening-for-suicide-risk-and-assuring-resources-for-separating-troops-ig-finds/
