Program to support transitioning service members and prevent veteran suicides
Partnered Implementation Evaluation of a National Sponsorship Program for Transitioning Service Members ( PEC 20-170)
This study tests a program that pairs young veterans with community volunteers to help them adjust to civilian life and reduce the risk of suicide during their first year after leaving the military.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 630 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 2 sites (The Bronx, New York and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05224440 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This program aims to address the rising suicide rates among young veterans by providing community-based support during their transition to civilian life. It focuses on the critical first year post-discharge, a period identified as having the highest risk for suicide. The initiative involves pairing transitioning service members with volunteer sponsors who offer one-on-one engagement to help reduce reintegration difficulties and promote connectedness. By leveraging community interventions, the program seeks to enhance the effectiveness of existing veteran support services.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are transitioning service members aged 18 and older who are within six months of discharge and planning to move to designated target cities.
Not a fit: Patients who are not transitioning service members or those who do not meet the age and timing criteria may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce suicide rates among young veterans and improve their overall mental health and reintegration experience.
How similar studies have performed: Other community-based interventions for veterans have shown promise in reducing suicide rates, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * TSMVs must be 18-years of age or older, * be approximately 6 months from military discharge and * be planning to transition to one of the target cities included in the evaluation during an active enrollment window for the respective city. Exclusion Criteria: N/A
Where this trial is running
The Bronx, New York and 1 other locations
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY — The Bronx, New York, United States (Recruiting)
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System Waco VA Medical Center, Waco, TX — Waco, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph C Geraci, PhD — James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Joseph C Geraci, PhD
- Email: Joseph.Geraci@va.gov
- Phone: (718) 584-9000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.