New alert aims to help locate veterans at risk – 95.3 MNC

There will soon be another resource to help veterans in Indiana who are struggling with crisis.

On July 1, a new law will go into effect that will create a national green alert to notify the public when veterans, active duty military or National Guard members are reported missing and are at risk of injury or self-harm.

Supporting veterans has also become a passion for IndyCar driver Sting Ray Robb, who works with INvets, an Indiana-based organization that helps veterans transition from the military to civilian life.

“Our mission is to raise funds for INvets. Eighty cents of every dollar donated goes directly to the mission of helping more veterans find great careers and get the help they need,” Robb said.

Robb says transition for veterans should not just be a transaction, but rather a transformation.

“It’s pretty awesome that there’s someone like INvets out there helping them find jobs, taking care of their mental health and creating a positive culture around these great veterans,” Robb said.

INvets also recruits veterans and brings their skills back to Indiana. Robb says they have partnered with more than 600 companies to build a bridge between out-of-state and in-state military personnel.

Help is also available through the 988 hotline 24/7 for confidential crisis support. You can call 988 or text 838255 to reach the Veterans Crisis Hotline.

House Representative Ryan Lauer of Columbus, a member of the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, says callers do not need to be enrolled in veterans’ pensions or health insurance to reach the hotline.

“It’s not uncommon for veterans to experience difficulties after their service and return home. The 988 hotline can offer specific help to people in crisis. These Indiana residents are not alone and help is available. Just dial 988,” Lauer said.

Helping Veterans And Families (HVAF) says it is now offering job placement services for veterans in West Central Indiana. HVAF says it is now offering these services in Terre Haute because of “a perceived high number of unemployed and underemployed veterans in the area.” HVAF has started a two-year pilot program with Intecare, an organization that provides housing placement services. They are also partnering with Reach Services, a Terre Haute-based nonprofit that provides support to low-income individuals and families.

June is also Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. PTSD is a mental and behavioral disorder that develops from experiencing a traumatic event. A person with PTSD is at a higher risk for suicide and intentional self-harm. The National Center for PTSD says that 7 out of 100 veterans (or 7%) will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives.