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EDITORIAL: Program helps at-risk veterans

Muskogee Phoenix - 4/18/2017

April 18--A program designed to identify at-risk veterans will help reduce their suicide rate.

The Recovery Engagement and Coordination -- Veterans Enhanced Treatment program uses clinical and administrative data for every veteran for the last two years.

The 380 risk and protective factors are fed into a computer that helps identify at-risk veterans.

"The model identifies approximately five patients in the top .01 percent and 50 patients in the top .1 percent at any given time," said Suicide Prevention Coordinator Patricia Parmeter.

Parmeter uses the list to help the at-risk veterans receive proper care.

Twenty-three percent of those who committed suicide in Oklahoma in 2014 served in the military.

Those willing to serve in our country's military deserve the best.

They risk their lives for our freedom and the least we can do it ensure their mental health as best we can.

Many members of the military serve in war zones or situations that leave them emotionally exposed to horrific sights. Just imagine what it was like for the military to discover the concentration camps during World War II.

Many will come back with emotional trauma that might not be evident early on.

This program has the potential to help those who need help swiftly and to ensure the best possible outcome.

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