Veteran Suicide Prevention Pilot Program

The act requires the state department of human services (department) to establish a veteran suicide prevention pilot program (pilot program) to reduce the suicide rate and suicidal ideation among veterans by providing no-cost, stigma-free, confidential, and effective behavioral health treatment for up to 700 veterans and their families in El Paso County. Subject to available money, the department may expand the pilot program to serve more than 700 veterans or to other areas of the state. The department may enter into an agreement with a nonprofit or educational organization to administer the pilot program. The department is required to include information about the pilot program in its annual report to the general assembly. The pilot program is repealed June 30, 2025.

The act appropriates $1,660,000 from the general fund to the department of human service for the pilot program.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)