Presentation to the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Border - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Presentation to the Senate Committee

• n Veteran Affairs

and Border Security

Health and Human Services Commission

• Dr. Suzanna Hupp, Veteran Services

February 15, 2017

Texas Veteran Population

Second Largest Veteran Population in the Nation

• In 2016, Texas had approximately 1.7 million

veterans ranging in age from 17 to over 100 years

• ld
• Estimated 1,509,883 men and 173,526 women
• Includes individuals who entered service in Texas,

were stationed at a Texas installation and remained after discharge, or who moved to Texas post- discharge

• The highest concentration of veterans are in Austin,

Houston, Dallas/ Fort Worth, and San Antonio

2/ 15/ 2017 HHS Veterans Services 2

Texas Veteran Population

2/ 15/ 2017 HHS Veterans Services 3

HHSC Office of Veteran Services

• 1. Represents HHSC in the Texas Coordinating Council for

Veteran Services and contributes to a biennial report

• 2. Collaborates with Texas Veteran Commission to provide

information on HHSC services to Texas veterans

• 3. Serves as state team lead for a national policy initiative

with the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for service members, veterans, and families

• 4. Provides education and awareness for Texas Department
• f Public Safety on communication with veterans
• 5. Collaborates with the U.S. Veterans Healthcare

Administration to address issues or gaps in services, to include service delivery for veterans in Texas

2/ 15/ 2017 HHS Veterans Services 4

Texas Veterans Mobile App

• In March 2014, HHSC launched the

Texas Veterans mobile application (app)

• The app is free for Texas veterans,

active duty personnel, military families, and service providers

• The app allows quick, easy, and

portable access to crisis lines,

• nline resources, personal

connections with local veterans, and assistance with accessing services

• As of January 2017, the Texas

Veterans Mobile App had 18,205 downloads

2/ 15/ 2017 HHS Veterans Services 5

External Partnerships & Initiatives

• Participate in the design and relaunch of the Texas

Veterans Portal and continue to sit on the advisory committee

• Participate as a member of Texas Suicide Prevention

Council

• Develop veteran and family retreats for Post

Traumatic Stress

• Consult with equine therapy programs on design and

implementation for veteran mental and physical health needs

• Assist with the establishment of veteran resource

centers around Texas

2/ 15/ 2017 Office of Veterans Services 6