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VA staff tell state committee COVID-19 has increased crisis demand; peer outreach and telehealth highlighted
Summary
Central Arkansas VA suicide-prevention staff told the Senate committee COVID-19 has driven up crisis-line calls and outreach needs, described peer-based programs that local partners credit with lower suicides in Baxter County, and said telehealth (VVC) and targeted outreach have reduced no‑shows but face broadband limits in rural areas.
Lara Watlington, an LCSW and suicide-prevention program manager at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, and Hannah Davidson, an LCSW and suicide-prevention coordinator at the Department of Veterans Affairs, briefed the State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee on current VA suicide‑prevention work and local outreach needs.
Watlington said the VA is seeking stronger community partnerships because "VA alone cannot reduce veteran suicide." She described what CAVHS can provide — evidence-based training, outreach materials and help promoting the Veterans Crisis Line — while noting limits on providing direct small…
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