Veterans Health Care, October 21: How has the Hannon Act strengthened VA's mental health services?

View as a webpage / Share Veterans Health Care  October 21, 2021 Providing health care to America’s Veterans The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is home to America's largest integrated health care system, serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. Join your fellow Veterans. Here are some of their stories. Cdr. Hannon legislation advances mental health care Commander John Scott Hannon, a decorated Veteran who retired after a 23-year career with the Navy SEALs died by suicide at the age of 46. However, his life and service live on through the landmark legislation he inspired called the Hannon Act. Last year, VA began implementing additional mental health and suicide prevention services to help Veterans and their families lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. If you are a Veteran – or a Caregiver – VA has a variety of mental health resources, information, treatment options, and more for you at mentalhealth.va.gov. Read More VA firemen drive 1,000 miles for Veteran’s last trip home A terminally ill Veteran's dying wish was to be surrounded by his loved ones when he passes. The Chillicothe VA fire department made the eight hour drive with the Veteran to his home where he died peacefully. “As a Veteran and as a human, having the ability and opportunity to make this Veteran’s last moments easier for him and his family made the almost 24 hours on the road absolutely worth it. I would do it again right now without hesitation,” said VA firefighter, Mike Menendez. Read More   Why Air Force Veteran David got his care at VA: As told by his daughter Brianne’s father David served in Vietnam. Many years later, after having a series of strokes, he needed long term care. VA supplied 24-hour care to Brianne’s father for the last five months of his life. She will never forget the respectful treatment he got. "He had the best care, the best care you could possibly have around," said Brianne. "I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the respect they gave him when he was passing and the way that they treated him every day." Read More   VA police chief helps struggling Veteran three years after they met VA Providence Chief of Police, John Thibodeau gave a struggling Veteran his card three years ago. Fast forward three years later, the Veteran reached out to him.   “I had lost contact with him but he called me," said Thibodeau. "I could tell by his mental state that he was in distress.” Thibodeau convinced the young Veteran to get to the VA Tucson facility. There, he connected with the acting chief of police who got him the health care he needed.  Read More Read more stories here

 

Keep updated and let us know how we're doing.