Mental Health Association of Greater Houston
VETERANS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
The Veterans Behavioral Health Initiative employs strategic and collaborative community engagement efforts in support of MHAs overall goal of shaping the mental health of people and communities. The VBHI impacts the community on numerous levels and strives to meet the needs of Harris County veterans and their families. Through coordination of area peer to peer outreach, we ensure that veterans from all demographics are reached and that no veteran who needs peer to peer support goes without it. We do this by working with the Lone Star Veterans Association, U.S. VETS-Houston and Grace After Fire. As the Regional Coordinator for the State of Texas’ Military Veteran Peer Network (www.milvetpeer.net), our mission is to connect service members, veterans and their families to local, state and national resources. Our goal is to ensure that our veterans mental and behavioral health needs are met.
The VBHI is also committed to veteran jail diversion through its support of Harris County’s Veteran’s Court Treatment Program. The mission of the Harris County Veterans’ Court Program (VC) is to increase access to mental health and addictions treatment for those veterans with felony and misdemeanor offenses by diverting veterans directly into VA treatment, reducing jail time, costs, and criminal recidivism, while improving mental health recovery and successful re-entry into the community. Our involvement in this treatment program focuses on assisting the veterans with any issues that they may be facing through peer support and community resource coordination. Thanks to the generous support of area businesses, foundations, and grantors, our program allows for us to hold alumni and family outreach events coordinated by certified peer mentors in a relaxed, fun environment that helps focus the veteran towards a healthy, safe, and sober lifestyle.
