Veteran Suicide Prevention: A ReefPoint Group and XRHealth Initiative

The Challenge:?

Veterans returning from service often face significant challenges, including mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to an increased risk of suicide. Access to timely and effective mental health care is critical, yet many Veterans encounter barriers such as limited availability of specialized services, long wait times, and difficulties in navigating the complex healthcare system. These challenges can prevent Veterans from receiving the care they need, putting their lives at risk. The urgent need to improve access to mental health services, enhance care coordination, and deliver innovative treatments is paramount to reducing suicide rates among Veterans and ensuring they receive the quality care they deserve.?

Goals and Objectives:?

In collaboration with XRHealth, ReefPoint Group aims to expand access to mental healthcare services for Veterans at high risk of suicide. XRHealth's successful track record in the mental health field offers a strong foundation for this initiative, which will extend the capabilities of their technology. The program's increased access to care will enable comprehensive data tracking, leading to a deeper understanding of suicide risks among Veterans and the effectiveness of technology-driven treatments.?

Process & Components:?

• Identifying Veterans in Need of Suicide Prevention/Mental Health Treatments: The focus is on Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), where existing partnerships and XR technology deployments are already in place.?

• Leveraging VR Platforms to Combat Suicide: XRHealth’s VR technology, designed to address mental health illnesses, will be employed in collaboration with mental health clinics to reach Veterans whose conditions contribute to a heightened suicide risk.?

• Personalized Care Coordination: A Veteran-first approach will be adopted to maintain the care continuum, ensuring that services are tailored to the individual needs and preferences of each participant.?

Solution:?

Our Veterans Suicide Prevention initiative seeks to leverage advanced virtual reality technology to reduce suicide rates among Veterans. XRHealth, a leader in VR technology, integrates cutting-edge tech with expertise in both technical and medical fields to provide crucial support to Veterans in high-need areas. By utilizing extended reality (XR) technology, the initiative not only improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs but also empowers clinicians to achieve better results.?

XRHealth’s virtual reality exposure therapy, known for its effectiveness in stress management, has demonstrated significant benefits in reducing PTSD symptoms. Research on Veterans with combat trauma history shows that 80% of participants completing exposure therapy experienced meaningful reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms (McLay et al., 2012). These outcomes highlight the potential of XR technology in addressing factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.?

With ReefPoint Group’s expertise in data science and military healthcare, combined with XRHealth’s proven VR platforms, this partnership holds great potential to enhance suicide prevention efforts. ReefPoint Group, composed of Veterans dedicated to serving other Veterans, brings a deep understanding of VA’s mission and a commitment to operational excellence and fiscal responsibility. By supporting key VA program offices such as Integrated Veteran Care (IVC), Innovation, Informatics & Analytics (II&A), and Construction and Facilities Management (CFM), ReefPoint Group offers mission-aligned support that enhances Veteran care. The integration of XRHealth’s comprehensive VR solutions, along with ReefPoint Group’s leadership in healthcare and data science consulting, is poised to effectively manage suicidal triggers and help reduce suicide rates among Veterans. This innovative partnership is set to transform suicide prevention support into a more efficient and impactful model of Veteran care.?

To learn more about ReefPoint Group, visit: https://reefpointgroup.com/