November 11, 2022 (by Matthew Canuteson, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Office of Diversity and Inclusion New York State Office of Mental Health)
This Veterans Day, as we honor and recognize all of the individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, OMH wishes to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring all individuals who are in need of mental health services and supports are able to receive them.
Over 714,000 veterans and their families call New York State their home and it’s vital that there is focused attention on ensuring they are all receiving needed benefits and services. OMH recognizes that veterans and their families can face unique mental health challenges and has engaged in specific activities aimed at promoting information sharing and increased access to services.
Click to view the full Spotlight
Additionally, OMH continues to create and disseminate educational resources and tip-sheets through its various platforms. These materials bring attention to the unique challenges faced by specific populations and allow for needed resources and supports to be shared with the community at large. We encourage you to explore the attached tip-sheet, Spotlight on Veterans, and learn more about this community and the resources that are available to veterans and their families who may need them.
OMH remains focused on soliciting feedback and involvement from members of special population groups, including veterans, to further promote a more inclusive and equitable behavioral health system for all. In alignment with these focused attentions, is OMH’s current efforts to gain increased involvement from veterans in the agency’s advisory bodies and stakeholder groups. OMH greatly values the input and guidance that members of its advisory bodies and stakeholder groups provide, and their decisions directly drive policy change, program advancements and overall improved service delivery. OMH will continue to ensure veterans are actively involved in the agency’s advisory bodies and stakeholder groups in order to best meet the behavioral health needs of veterans and their families across the state.
This Veterans Day, may you all join OMH in thanking all of the veterans and their families for their service and the sacrifices they have made for our country.
Matthew Canuteson
Pronouns: He, Him, His
Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Office of Diversity and Inclusion New York State Office of Mental Health
44 Holland Ave 2nd Floor, Albany, NY 12229
518-473-4548
matthew.canuteson@omh.ny.gov
www.omh.ny.gov