President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that will provide transitioning service members and veterans with access to mental health care services up to a year after they have separated from service through the Department of Veterans Affairs, DoD News reported Tuesday.The “Supporting Our Veterans During Their Transition From Uniformed Service to Civilian Life” order will require the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to establish a joint action plan that provides transitioning service members with access to treatment and mental health care services.
David Shulkin, VA Secretary, said the executive order will work to coordinate federal assets to mitigate challenges that prevent transitioning service members from qualifying for health care services.
The three agencies will also look to further peer community outreach and group sessions under VA’s Whole Health program across all facilities and extend the DoD “Be There Peer Support Call and Outreach Center” services.
The order also seeks to include separating service members for the Military OneSource program which provides resources for active duty members of the armed forces.
