VAOIG Evaluation of the VA's Suicide Prevention Programs

Healthcare Inspection Evaluation of Suicide Prevention Program Implementation in Veterans Health Administration Facilities January–June, 2009 09/22/09. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the extent Veterans Heath Administration (VHA) facilities implemented suicide prevention programs in compliance with VHA requirements. The evaluation was conducted at 24 VHA facilities during Combined Assessment Program reviews performed during January–June, 2009. All 24 facilities implemented suicide prevention programs that generally met the VHA requirements. To strengthen the programs, we recommended that VHA ensure: documentation of collaboration between SPCs and MH providers, mental health providers develop comprehensive and timely safety plans, and full-time SPCs are appointed at very large CBOCs. VAOIG