The U.S. government has officially directed the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its strategy to reduce veteran suicides. This directive comes following the approval of the FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill, which President Donald Trump signed into law on November 12, 2023. The legislation allocates over $115 billion for veteran healthcare, with approximately $698 million specifically designated for suicide prevention initiatives.
The recent fiscal year funding bills emphasize the importance of adopting “further innovative tools,” including AI, to identify veterans experiencing high levels of suicidal ideation. Both the House and the Senate approved versions of the funding package months ago, but the final appropriations bill received full congressional approval only last week as the government shutdown concluded.
AI Initiatives to Enhance Suicide Prevention
The House Appropriations Committee has expressed support for exploring modern technology to enhance the effectiveness of existing suicide prevention programs. A report from the committee highlighted the need for improved early indicators of suicide risk, suggesting the implementation of AI and machine learning technologies to increase operational efficiency in veteran service delivery.
The report stated, “There is a significant need to improve early suicide indicators and detection using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies that improve operational efficiency and effectiveness throughout veteran service delivery.” The committee believes that real-time analytics could help many veterans access the mental health care they need promptly.
Furthermore, the committee encouraged the VA to evaluate omnichannel technologies capable of identifying at-risk veterans through various government service delivery channels. This approach aims to gather insights that could facilitate timely interventions for veterans in crisis.
Leveraging Machine Learning for Identification
The Senate has also shown support for the Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health-Veteran Enhancement Treatment, known as REACH VET. Launched in 2017, this program uses machine learning to analyze veterans’ medical records, flagging those in the top 0.1 percent of suicide risk. Recent upgrades to REACH VET have expanded its ability to identify additional risk factors, such as military sexual assault and spousal abuse, while removing ethnicity and race from its data points.
As the VA collaborates with various agencies and nonprofit organizations, it is promoting the integration of AI and other technologies to further reduce suicide rates among veterans. Although concerns remain regarding the potential for AI to replace human interaction in healthcare settings, VA Press Secretary Pete Kasperowicz reassured stakeholders that AI will only serve as a supplement to direct care provided by mental health professionals.
Kasperowicz stated, “AI-driven tools allow mental health providers to quickly intervene on a veteran’s behalf.” The Senate panel’s report also emphasized the potential of predictive data analytics and machine learning tools to assist at-risk veterans before crises escalate.
While the VA faces challenges, including a significant reduction in its workforce, the department remains committed to maximizing its resources. Kasperowicz added, “The VA plans to maximize all resources, including the use of AI for suicide prevention, to enhance predictive models, increase collaboration with researchers, and develop new tools to support care providers in delivering personalized care to veterans.”
The integration of AI in veteran healthcare presents both opportunities and challenges. As the technology evolves, officials believe it could improve outcomes for those in need of mental health support, ensuring that veterans receive timely and effective care.
