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MDVA outlines statewide plan to reduce veteran suicide, emphasizes navigators and regional coordination
Summary
Rachel Johnson of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs presented a veteran suicide prevention report focusing on a coordinated statewide system, expansion of veteran health navigators, a pilot suicide mortality review in Hennepin County, and work to improve data sharing and law‑enforcement coordination.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs presented its veteran suicide prevention report to the House Veterans and Military Affairs Division on March 11, 2026, describing a strategy to move from crisis response toward early prevention, enhanced data use and statewide coordination.
MDVA director of Veterans Community Health Rachel Johnson said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide and that the department has focused the past year on building the infrastructure to connect existing programs and "make sure veterans are recognized early and connected to the right care." She described steps the department has taken, including expanding regional coordinators, piloting a multidisciplinary suicide mortality review in Hennepin County, and deploying veteran health navigators into several non‑VA health systems.
Johnson told the committee the plan is a "living, working framework" intended to adapt as data and veteran feedback emerge. She said the Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention Collaborative serves as the backbone to coordinate partners across public health, the National Guard, MDH and community organizations.
Committee members pressed on operational detail. Representative Durand asked whether MDVA is coordinating with local law enforcement; Johnson said law enforcement and coroners are part of the Hennepin County mortality review pilot and that MDVA is building relationships with law enforcement as regional outreach expands. John Kelly, MDVA director of government affairs, highlighted outreach efforts including placing the Veterans Crisis Line number on state fleet vehicles.
Funding and accountability: Witnesses said recent legislative funding expanded regional coordination, training, navigator positions and data capacity; MDVA said it will return to the Legislature with updates and that the plan includes reporting and iterative evaluation.
What’s next: MDVA will continue implementation and report back to the Legislature on progress and outcomes; committee members expressed support and offered to help convene local partners.
