Final page of resources/summary of VA suicide prevention efforts, which appropriately fall within public health approach of upstream prevention through acute crisis care. Again — there is no such thing as vet suicide prevention without gun safety/storage.12/

Read the VA’s description of the suicide data for veterans who recently used VHA vs. those who had not — important to understand why rate is higher in first group. 11/

THREAD Got an advance copy: VA releases new 2016 suicide data. Veterans accounted for 14% of all deaths by suicide in the US though comprising only 8.1% of the population 18 years and older. 1/

Opening remarks from Carolyn Clancy, MD in her newly created role as VA’s Deputy Under Secretary for Health Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks. Today’s conversation was moderated by Joe Francis, MD, VHA Director of Clinical Analytics/Reporting. 2/

Stakeholders may still weigh in with federal comments by October 16. We heard prepared statements today from reps of the Joint Commission, @IndyFund, WellPoint Military Care (Anthem), & National Committee for Quality Assurance. 3/

Small in-person audience included Hill staff, accrediting groups, consultants, @AFGENational, and @APA. VA turned the session into a great initial conversation about how to measure veterans’ health care within VA and in private sector, which wants VA $. 4/

@AFGENational and I spoke on the record this morning, echoing concerns re demanding identical metrics and standards for outside providers. I don’t want VA $ going to private sector groups who don’t meet VA’s high standards for mental health care. 5/

Sitting in and speaking up on behalf of @APA at a public meeting hosted by VA re developing appropriate health care quality standards for VA and non-VA care. This is part of implementing the recently passed MISSION Act and this stuff really matters. 1/

I read into the record recommendations from @VeteransPolicy, which @APA endorses, demanding identical symptom and functional outcomes measures as well as proof of use of evidence-based psychotherapies from outside providers. Must compare apples to apples. 6/

They’re the real deal, so please throw some money and time their way to support the direct services, case management, legal, and policy work of @vetshelpingvets. And what can I say — @DeptofDefense and @DeptVetAffairs psychologists are a noble, caring crew.

Delighted to close out @APA @APAconvention #APA2018 by bringing a group of DoD and VA psychologists to volunteer at Swords to Plowshares @vetshelpingvets facility for homeless veterans in San Francisco. Thanks Michael Blecker, Julie, Tina, & @millerkevinc!

Headed to San Francisco for #APA2018 and looking forward to meeting with DoD and VA psychologists. Updating to be shared, goat yoga to be tried, wine to be drunk, colleagues to be toasted, and volunteering to be done.@APADiv19 @apadiv18 @avapl1