Presentation to the House Committee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs Dr. , Veteran Services Health and Human Services Commission March 8, 2017 Veteran Population Second Largest Veteran Population in the Nation

 In 2016, Texas had approximately 1.7 million veterans ranging in age from 17 to over 100 years old  Estimated 1,509,883 men and 173,526 women  Includes individuals who entered service in Texas, were stationed at a Texas installation and remained after discharge, or who moved to Texas post-discharge  The highest concentration of veterans are in Austin, , Dallas/Fort Worth, and

2 Texas Veteran Population

3 Projected Texas Veteran Population by 2025

4 HHSC Office of Veteran Services

 Represents HHSC in the Texas Coordinating Council for Veteran Services and contributes to a biennial report  Collaborates with Texas Veteran Commission to provide information on HHSC services to Texas veterans  Serves as state team lead for a national policy initiative with the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for service members, veterans, and families  Provides education and awareness for Texas Department of Public Safety on communication with veterans  Collaborates with the U.S. Veterans Healthcare Administration to address issues or gaps in services, to include service delivery for veterans in Texas 5 Texas Veterans Mobile App

 In March 2014, HHSC launched the Texas Veterans mobile application (app)  The app is free for Texas veterans, active duty personnel, military families, and service providers  The app allows quick, easy, and portable access to crisis lines, online resources, personal connections with local veterans, and assistance with accessing services  As of February 2017, the Texas Veterans Mobile App had 18,777 downloads

6 External Partnerships & Initiatives Office of Veteran Services Mission: Coordinate, strengthen, and enhance services for veterans, service members, and their families across state agencies.  Participate in the design and relaunch of the Texas Veterans Portal and continue to sit on the advisory committee  Participate as a member of Texas Suicide Prevention Council  Develop veteran and family retreats for Post Traumatic Stress  Consult with equine therapy programs on design and implementation for veteran mental and physical health needs  Assist with the establishment of veteran resource centers around Texas

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