HCM 340 Module Four Short Paper
Juanita Onasanya
HCM 340/ Healthcare Delivery Systems
Victoria Mills
September 27, 2025
, Introduction
The gap in access identified in Milestone One is a significant inequity in mental healthcare
services for U.S. military veterans, particularly those in rural areas, those from minority groups,
and those facing barriers like stigma and logistical challenges. This paper will examine three
existing federal healthcare initiatives designed to address this critical gap. The initiatives were
identified using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) resource on National
Health Initiatives, Strategies & Action Plans, as well as other key government sources. The three
initiatives to be discussed are the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Suicide Prevention
in Veterans Initiative, the VA MISSION Act, and the President’s Roadmap to Empower
Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) initiative (Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, n.d.).
Health Care Initiative One
The first initiative is the VA Suicide Prevention in Veterans Initiative. This is a
comprehensive, multi-faceted program within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
specifically designed to reduce suicide rates among veterans. It was put in place to address the
stark gap in timely and effective mental health crisis intervention for a high-risk population.
The specific goals of this initiative are:
● Increase Access and Timeliness: To ensure veterans in crisis have immediate, 24/7 access
to qualified mental health professionals through the Veterans Crisis Line (phone, text,
and chat).
● Enhance Safety: To implement proactive outreach and care coordination for veterans
identified as being at high risk for suicide, ensuring they are connected with ongoing care
and support services.
Juanita Onasanya
HCM 340/ Healthcare Delivery Systems
Victoria Mills
September 27, 2025
, Introduction
The gap in access identified in Milestone One is a significant inequity in mental healthcare
services for U.S. military veterans, particularly those in rural areas, those from minority groups,
and those facing barriers like stigma and logistical challenges. This paper will examine three
existing federal healthcare initiatives designed to address this critical gap. The initiatives were
identified using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) resource on National
Health Initiatives, Strategies & Action Plans, as well as other key government sources. The three
initiatives to be discussed are the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Suicide Prevention
in Veterans Initiative, the VA MISSION Act, and the President’s Roadmap to Empower
Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) initiative (Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, n.d.).
Health Care Initiative One
The first initiative is the VA Suicide Prevention in Veterans Initiative. This is a
comprehensive, multi-faceted program within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
specifically designed to reduce suicide rates among veterans. It was put in place to address the
stark gap in timely and effective mental health crisis intervention for a high-risk population.
The specific goals of this initiative are:
● Increase Access and Timeliness: To ensure veterans in crisis have immediate, 24/7 access
to qualified mental health professionals through the Veterans Crisis Line (phone, text,
and chat).
● Enhance Safety: To implement proactive outreach and care coordination for veterans
identified as being at high risk for suicide, ensuring they are connected with ongoing care
and support services.
