VA Struggles To Reach Other-Than-Honorable-Discharge Vets In Need Of Help
NPRVA Struggles To Reach Other-Than-Honorable-Discharge Vets In Need Of Help Enlarge this image toggle caption Katie Schoolov/KPBS Katie Schoolov/KPBS Former Marine Lance Cpl. Sponsor Message "It's not possible that that's the number of people who need help," said Kristofer Goldsmith, an Iraq vet who works with the Vietnam Veterans of America. "It's a program that most people who are eligible for don't know about, and the reason for that is that VA refused to do any outreach," said Vietnam Veterans of America executive director Rick Weidman. Of the 115 people who took advantage of the program, 25 were in San Diego, according to the VA. "They came in saying they had an urgent need, and they were evaluated and received care for that urgent need - whether it was a substance use disorder or suicidal thoughts," said Dr. Neal Doran of the San Diego VA. "VA is currently in the process of writing implementation regulations which will provide further guidance on expanding mental health care outreach to service members in need," the agency said in a written statement.
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