VA Leverages Artificial Intelligence to Identify Veterans in Need

The Department of Veterans Affairs is using artificial intelligence to identify veterans at risk of suicide or homelessness.

The initiative aims to reduce the higher-than-average suicide rates among veterans by using predictive tools and scanning clinicians’ records and progress notes, Nextgov/FCW reported.

During VetsinTech’s Vets in AI program launch, VA Assistant Under Secretary for Health Carolyn Clancy highlighted the Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health — Veterans Enhanced Treatment program, which uses AI to identify veterans at the highest risk of self-harm.

Clancy said REACH VET, which began as a pilot in 2016, now operates at 28 VA sites, identifying about 6,700 high-risk veterans monthly and connecting them with VA coordinators for targeted support.

Additionally, AI is expected to enhance the department’s crisis line, which allows third parties to report concerns about veterans, locating and assisting veterans based on various signals.

John Boerstler, chief veterans experience officer, also noted that AI-enhanced surveys help in providing more targeted assistance, identifying phrases indicating crises and alerting relevant crisis lines.

VA’s AI efforts include over 100 use cases to enhance programs for at-risk veterans.