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Quality Enhancement Research Initiative

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Providing evidence-based mental health care and increasing suicide prevention efforts for Veterans

Mental health disorders are common and associated with substantial functional impairment, morbidity, and mortality, including increased suicide risk. Over 1.7 million Veterans received mental health treatment in the VA, and rates of suicide are higher among Veterans than in the general population. The recent passage of the Cmdr. John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act calls for VA to improve mental health care and transition assistance.

In partnership with multi-level stakeholders, QUERI is deploying and evaluating implementation and quality improvement strategies to expand evidence-based mental health care and support suicide prevention efforts for all Veterans.

Behavioral Health QUERI Program

Behavioral Health QUERI Program

Led by Sara Landes, Chris Miller
Advance care and prevent suicides for Veterans with complex behavioral health conditions. Learn more.

 Evaluation of Centralized HRF Caring Letters

Evaluation of Centralized HRF Caring Letters

Led by Mark Reger

Support development of and evaluate a centralized, national approach to the Caring Letters program. Learn more.

Examining the Effectiveness of an Adaptive Implementation Intervention to Improve Uptake of the VA Suicide Risk Identification Strategy

Examining the Effectiveness of an Adaptive Implementation Intervention to Improve Uptake of the VA Suicide Risk Identification Strategy

Led by Nazanin Bahraini
Assess effectiveness of computerized suicide risk screening and evaluation in VA ambulatory care settings. Learn more.

Implementation Evaluation of a National Sponsorship Program for Transitioning Service Members

Implementation Evaluation of a National Sponsorship Program for Transitioning Service Members

Led by Joseph Geraci
Evaluate the impact of a national sponsorship program for transitioning service members on Veteran outcomes, including stressors, social support, psychological distress, services use, and suicidal ideation. Learn more.

Implementing Caring Contacts for Suicide Prevention in Non-Mental Health Settings

Implementing Caring Contacts for Suicide Prevention in Non-Mental Health Settings

Led by Sara Landes
Implement and evaluate the impact of sending Veterans at risk of suicide brief expressions of care. Learn more.

Caring Letters Suicide Prevention Campaign for Veterans Crisis Line Users

Randomized Evaluation of Caring Letters

Led by Mark Reger
Evaluate an innovative Caring Letters program for Veterans Crisis Line callers. Learn more.