VA Loma Linda to Host Mental Health Summit

LOMA LINDA >> Veterans Affairs Loma Linda Healthcare System will participate as a Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act Pilot Site. In 2015, Congress passed the Clay Hunt SAV Act, which required the identification of the top 5 high-risk regions for Veterans transitioning out of the military who could be at risk for suicide. VA Loma Linda is located in the third highest region and volunteered to help pilot the Act. With dedicated community partners, VA Loma Linda is working to outreach to high risk veterans who are not currently obtaining mental health services. On Aug. 31, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System will host a Clay Hunt/Mental Health Summit with community partners to focus on suicide prevention and access to care for veterans. The summit will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the VA Loma Linda Medical Center Auditorium. Community partners interested in participating in the collaborative can contact Laura Miles at 909-825-7084 ext. 1331 or Edward Armas at 909-825-7084 ext. 3956. In conjunction with the Summit, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System is continuously improving veteran access to care, especially mental health services. "Improving access to care for our Veterans is our main priority," said Director Barbara Fallen. "For mental health, it not only touches the veteran, but also families, friends, co-workers and people in the communities. By participating in the Clay Hunt SAV Act and looking at ways we can improve access and the Veteran experience, we hope to provide the quality care that the veteran deserves so that they can live the life they envisioned.” VA Loma Linda Mental Health Services has undertaken a number of new measures to reduce suicides and improve access to care. Veterans with urgent mental health needs are seen the same day plus veterans can also access the Veteran Crisis Line 24/7 by dialing the main medical center number 909-825-7084 and pressing 7 to be connected to a Crisis Line Counselor. Other key improvements include offering telemental health services, Veteran Crisis Line direct transfers and a team of Suicide Prevention Coordinators that assist high risk veterans. Telemental health services offer veterans living a long distance from a VA clinic the ability to see a psychiatrist from their home computers with the help of a webcam. The Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center is the centerpiece of the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. Opened in 1977, it is located half a mile from its major affiliate, Loma Linda University. VA also provides primary care and mental health at outpatient clinics located in Blythe, Corona, Palm Desert, Murrieta, Rancho Cucamonga and Victorville.