REACH VET: AI MODEL LEADS IN VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION


By akirschbaum
U.S. Airmen from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing honor the daily estimated number of veterans who take their own lives, symbolized by 22 pairs of boots in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month. The REACH Vet program is helping lower suicide rates.

Mental health is essential as it can prevent depression and suicide. The method of predictive analysis and artificial intelligence technologies has been a game-changer in recognizing and helping Vets who are at risk of suicide, according to one official from the Veterans Affairs Department. On Monday, Carolyn Clancy, the VA Assistant Under Secretary for Health, mentioned to lawmakers at the House of Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health field hearing that the department’s algorithm-based Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health has reduced the number of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. This is under the Veterans Enhanced Treatment program, or REACH VET.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military For Suicide Prevention

Originating in 2016, the program uses an AI model feature to identify Vets who are at high risk of suicide while at Veterans Health Administration facilities. The program was widely enforced across the board in 2017. Furthermore, artificial intelligence in the military will help determine Vets who show signs and are anticipated to be in the top 0.1% tier of suicide risk. They are then put into contact with a coordinator under the REACH VET where they will be given extra support and care.According to Clancy, AI intelligence can identify high-risk people and has application in healthcare settings. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks also added that the program now has 28 active VA sites. It has identified around 6,700 Veterans per month who need added support. Lastly, she noted that this step is a breakthrough that will save more lives for Veterans and will make a difference.

Will AI Pave the Way for the REACH VET Program?

In the U.S. population, Vets pose more risks of having suicidal tendencies. Thus, the department has been studying other areas where AI can stop or limit suicide among retired service members. However, some lawmakers are concerned about the excessive use of AI and other technologies to classify Veterans who are at risk of self-harm.Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, Rep. Matt Rosendale, informed VA officials that they need to take every measure to control Veteran suicide. However, he is also concerned that using such technology, such as artificial intelligence, might violate Veterans' rights. There are more than 100 cases of AI use across the VA department, including seven that directly deal with using new technology to pinpoint and indicate the signs of suicidal tendencies. The REACH VET Program is considered one of the department's AI use cases. Still, the VA is also adding a different approach with a focus on implementing predictive modeling, artificial intelligence methods, findings, and natural language processing. With this approach, the department can improve the program's prediction of suicide. Plus, it will be able to extract signs of suicidal risks with the use of natural language processing from clinical progress notes.

How to Identify Suicidal Tendencies

Even with the new REACH VET technology, it is still essential for a person or family member to recognize the signs of suicidal tendencies; here are some of them, according to the River Oaks Treatment Center.

  • Hopelessness.
  • Acting nervous.
  • Anxiety struggles.
  • Insomnia.
  • Sudden anger outbursts or rage.
  • Not feeling a sense of danger when doing risky behaviors.
  • A boost in substance use or misuse.
  • Self-isolating from people close to them.
  • Giving important possessions to people.
  • Having a conversation about the act of suicide or writing about it.
  • Mood shifts that seem out of the ordinary.
  • Collecting harmful items such as a gun or pills.

Why Do the Vets Pose a High Risk for Suicide?

While the REACH VET program is changing lives, there are many things that you should consider regarding why Veterans are at a high risk for suicide. Some of the theories include:

  • Regular and extended deployments.
  • Deployments in high-risk areas for combat or hostilities.
  • Exposure to the intense stress of life-or-death circumstances.
  • Sexual and physical assault while in service.
  • The after-effects of physical injuries due to military service.

Other aspects that have relation to suicidal tendencies among Veterans are untreated or undiagnosed PTSD or mood disorders. In sum, this can increase a person’s general suicide risk.Suggested reads:


CONNECT WITH US
VeteranLife Logo

©2024 VeteranLife. All rights reserved.