Golden State Today

California is marking Veterans Day with significant investments aimed at enhancing mental health services for veterans. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced over $33 million in grants through the California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI) and 100,000 free mental health appointments for veterans. Additionally, a new federal grant has been secured to study Native American veteran suicides and develop prevention strategies.

Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating: “California’s veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting our country, and it is our duty – and our honor – to ensure that we provide for them and their families when they return home. These investments will help us expand access to and develop even more lifesaving supports for all our veterans.”

CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin echoed this commitment by highlighting the focus on mental health services: “Focusing on veterans’ mental health has always been a key priority at CalVet, and we’re pleased to partner with community-based providers statewide to expand the reach and effectiveness of resources for veterans seeking no cost, accessible mental health services in their own communities.”

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has allocated $33.4 million in grants across seven counties under the CVHI-Mental Health Support Grant Program. These funds are intended to broaden access to outpatient mental health treatments specifically tailored for veterans and their families. The initiative aims to reduce wait times for appointments while developing veteran-specific care options.

In addition, these grants will facilitate statewide telehealth services and bolster California’s mental health workforce focused on serving the veteran population through training programs.

A separate effort addresses suicide prevention among Native American veterans, who experience high rates of military service but also face increasing suicide rates. CalVet received a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Suicide Mortality Review Cooperative Agreement. This funding will support the development of culturally informed policies by forming a committee including tribal representatives.

Governor Newsom also signed legislation designed to ease processes supporting veterans and their families. These laws include provisions for refunding improperly paid property taxes to disabled veterans, recognizing certain schools as California Purple Star schools for military-connected pupils, and simplifying income screenings for affordable housing eligibility.

Proposition 1 further supports homeless veterans through permanent supportive housing funded by 50% of its allocations.