Five local veteran service organizations are partnering to form the North Texas Collaborative for Veterans and Families to expand access to mental healthcare for North Texas veterans and their families.
According to the RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research, 20 percent of Iraq or Afghanistan veterans experience major depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. More than 20 veterans commit suicide every day, and the isolation of the pandemic adds stress to everyone’s life, especially those already dealing with mental illness.
“Metrocare … is proud to take the lead on this groundbreaking opportunity to expand access and enhance the quality of care our veterans receive,” said Metrocare CEO Dr. John W. Burruss via release. “Thanks to the dedication of quality partners and the innovative foresight of the Texas Legislature, now North Texas veterans receive individually tailored care across provider lines.”
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has given the group $3 million over 19 months to make sure no veteran “falls through the cracks.” The different organizations will work together to fulfill their role while collaborating to provide veterans with a spectrum of services. The fund was created by the Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program, which establishes coordinated services that will continue after the grant period. A shared technology platform, a needs assessment, and development of local funding to continue.
“By bringing together these uniquely qualified and committed organizations to collaborate and coordinate care, we can improve the quality of and access to mental health care for North Texas veterans and their families,” said Andy Keller, president and CEO of MMHPI via release.
The partners include:
Metrocare Veteran Services and The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Metrocare – evidence-based mental health treatment and wrap-around case management services.
22KILL – mental health treatment that focuses on removing obstacles to care.
Equest – equine therapy and programs that enhance social connection, coping skills, and emotional regulation.
Texas Health Resources – 30-day inpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment and other residential services.
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) – administers the grant project and introduces technology to support the collaborative’s service delivery model.
