VA secretary criticized on Capitol Hill for travel decisions

In addition to this new plan, the VA has partnered with AMVETS, a congressionally-chartered veterans service organization, to create a new mental health initiative dubbed HEAL, which stands for health care, evaluation, advocacy, and legislation.

One of the first investments for AMVETS was hiring the organization’s first chief medical executive, Lana McKenzie.

McKenzie said the program will extend services to all veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and those who are at a high risk for suicide.

“First, we will facilitate access to appropriate mental health screenings and treatment plans to ensure they include proper follow-up,” said McKenzie. “Second, we will use public forums, roundtables, and town hall meetings to raise awareness in local communities around the country.”

She estimated that about 320,000 veterans incur some degree of TBI during service and that 20 veterans take their lives every day.

On March 19th, a toll-free number will be available for veterans and their family members to access the HEAL program.