A study funded by the VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans and published by the Journal of General Internal Medicine in November 2019 analyzed the relationship between adverse social determinants of health (including violence, housing instability, financial/employment problems, legal problems, familial/social problems, lack of access to care/transportation, and nonspecific psychosocial needs) and suicide ideation and attempt among veterans.
Veterans
Partnerships Between Health Care and Legal Providers in the Veterans Health Administration
Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLPs) offer a unique union between legal aid and health care services. Focusing on the operations of Veteran Health Administration (VHA) medical centers in Connecticut and New York, this report describes MLP development and application in the context of veterans’ needs. After discussing the critical needs of the veteran population, the authors conclude with steps regarding how to go about establishing an MLP.
Needs of Homeless Veterans: 5 Years of the CHALENG Survey 2012-16
Researchers find that the needs of homeless veterans has remained relatively consistent through the last five years of the CHALENG survey, pointing to the long-term needs of homeless veterans. At the top of the list is the need for legal assistance.
Medical-Legal Partnerships At Veterans Affairs Medical Centers Improved Housing And Psychosocial Outcomes For Vets
Researchers analyzed data from 950 veterans who used serviced provided at four MLPs. They find that veterans most frequently reported problems related to benefits, housing, family, and consumer finance. After receiving services through a MLP, the veterans experienced improvements in housing, income, and mental health.
The Invisible Battlefield: Veterans Facing Health-Harming Legal Needs in Civilian Life
The National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership conducted a study on the legal needs of veterans. They describe the legal needs of veterans. They then provide case studies on three MLPs, showing how MLPs are changing how we think of care for veterans.