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Veteran-led Behavioral Health Council Seeks New Members

(Pictured in this photo: Clinton R. Morgan, Donna Serrett, Mike Borecky, Lorianne Schmider, and Grayson Miles)
By Willy Martinez, Public Affairs Specialist

“Our main objective is to reduce the number of Veterans that commit suicide by helping connect Veterans with VA’s mental health services,” shares Grayson Giles, Chairman of the Veterans Behavioral Health Council.

The Veterans Behavioral Health Council, a relatively new group of Veterans and community members, meets on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss with the VA, how they can help in VA’s efforts to improve mental health. 

The mission of the Veterans Behavioral Health Council is to establish a true partnership between the Veterans and their families, VA Behavioral Health professionals, community partners and Veteran service organizations to improve the quality of VA Behavioral Health services, to improve Veteran’s understanding of those services, and to promote best use of those services. In addition to, enabling, encouraging, and facilitating the healthy integration/re-integration of the Veteran into his/her family and community and to continue making a positive contribution. 

One of the items that was discussed at the meeting, a couple of the members were asking about PACT act information and how it could be used to drive Veterans towards healthcare. The Veterans Behavioral Health Council wanted to share this communication toolkit with their fellow Veterans. 

Communication Tool kit: https://news.va.gov/129251/pact-act-2024-health-care-eligibility-toolkit/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=&utm_term=&utm_content=&fbclid=IwAR2KrSWQB_h8sP-FdBCEMCqKyBQwuAxJ0m-ZiG9WsihAO0Td7q_P3_34XOM

Another item on the agenda was the approval of their newest member, Clinton R. Morgan. He met the criteria required and was accepted into the council and is eager to help his fellow Veterans. 

What’s the Criteria?

Council members should be at least one of the following:

  1. A consumer or former consumer of VA behavioral health services.
  2. A family member, broadly defined, of a VA behavioral health consumer.
  3. A member of a Veterans Service Organization
  4. A member of a community mental health organization or advocacy group.
  5. A representative from other community organizations, such as employment and housing agencies.

To learn more about how to become involved with the Veterans Behavioral Health Council, please contact Lorianne Schmider, Local Recovery Coordinator, at 618-997-5311 ext. 155300.