MS HB285

State Veterans Affairs Board must publish and maintain an internet website serving as a centralized source for information on mental health care services provided to veterans by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the State of Mississippi, updated at least every 90 days.

Website must include name and contact information for each social work office and mental health clinic at Veterans Affairs medical centers, Vet Centers, and community-based outpatient centers in Mississippi, plus a list of appropriate staff and other relevant information.

Board shall establish a pilot program in two state locations (with at least one having a Veterans Affairs medical center) to assist veterans transitioning from active duty and improve access to mental health services, including a community-oriented veteran peer support network with training guidelines and trained peer support counselors.

Board must report to the Legislature within 18 months on the pilot program's peer support model, participation data, mental health outcomes, and recommendations for statewide implementation; pilot program authority terminates three years after beginning.

Board may collaborate with nonprofit mental health organizations to prevent veteran suicide by improving efficiency of prevention efforts, providing employee expertise, and jointly carrying out prevention initiatives with exchange of training and best practices.