HEARTH project helps high-risk Veterans transition to civilian life

VA is committed to ensuring every Veteran’s transition from military to civilian life is as seamless and supportive as possible, regardless of how long they served or the condition of their exit from service. 

Building on our collaboration with the Department of Defense, we are excited to introduce Help with Employment, Agency, Risk, Transitions, and Housing (HEARTH), an innovative project to bridge existing gaps in our support systems.

The Post-9/11 Military2VA case management program has long been a cornerstone of our efforts to provide comprehensive health care and social services to transitioning service members. However, without a standardized universal risk assessment, our ability to proactively identify and support those at high-risk for adverse outcomes has been limited. Until now.

The HEARTH project was launched in 2023 as a quality improvement demonstration designed to enhance the Post-9/11 M2VA process. This project aims to identify and engage Veterans who are at high risk for issues such as homelessness, unemployment and suicidal behaviors, and provide them with tailored care and support for up to six months.

Offering case management

Leveraging a model developed at Harvard University by the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers team, the HEARTH project identifies Veterans most in need of intervention. A dedicated virtual national VA transition care team then proactively reaches out to these Veterans offering case management and care coordination based on critical time intervention, trauma-informed care and whole health principles.

Our goals with HEARTH are ambitious and essential. We aim to:

1. Ensure at-risk Veterans are enrolled at their local VA medical center.
2. Connect Veterans with primary care teams, within or outside the VA system.
3. Promote reintegration into civilian life by securing employment and housing.
4. Link Veterans experiencing suicidal ideations with appropriate services.

By providing these services at no cost to the Veteran, the HEARTH project underscores our ongoing commitment to care for those who have selflessly served our nation. Join us as we embark on this vital initiative to support our post-9/11 heroes.

Through HEARTH, we can ensure every Veteran has access to the safe, supportive environment they deserve. VA remains committed to providing comprehensive support and resources to our Veterans, ensuring their well-being and assisting them in achieving their goals.