The Alabama Veterans Resource Center, approved by Gov. Kay Ivey in February, is already being considered for expansion under a “hub-and-spoke” model by the Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee. The center aims to provide comprehensive support services to veterans and their families, including mental health programs and assistance accessing benefits. The committee is recommending lawmakers to support the expansion of the resource center to connect multiple spoke locations across the state.
The committee has also requested for a supplemental appropriation of $5 million to fund the resource center, managed by the Alabama Veterans Resource Center Fund. The new commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, Jeffrey Newton, emphasized the importance of a smooth transition from military to civilian life in addressing veterans’ mental health needs.
With as many as 400,000 veterans in Alabama, the committee highlighted the higher risk of suicide, drug addiction, and traumatic brain injuries among veterans. The draft of the comprehensive plan includes recommendations such as constructing a veterans resource center, expanding traumatic brain injury screening access, and organizing a veteran mental health summit.
The final draft of the plan is required to be submitted to Governor Ivey’s office by June 30. The committee aims to evaluate all initiatives using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making. The proposed expansion of the resource center under the hub-and-spoke model seeks to improve access to services for veterans, especially in rural communities where services are limited.
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