Governor Newsom highlights mental health support for USS Abraham Lincoln sailors returning to San Diego after 321-day deployment
Led by the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), this initiative strengthens partnerships with local providers to improve access to timely, culturally competent mental health services in urban and rural communities. These investments are part of California’s broader commitment to addressing veteran suicide, expanding treatment options and building a more responsive system of care that meets the changing needs of veterans and their families.
“As the sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln return home, we want them and their families to know that California stands ready to connect them with the resources and support they need,” said CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin. “Whether navigating the transition home or facing challenges long after military service, no one should have to navigate those challenges alone. Through initiatives like CVHI, we are strengthening community partnerships and expanding access to mental healthcare, so veterans and their families have support when and where they need it.”
Delivering results for veterans
Launched in 2024 with up to $38 million in competitive grant funding, CVHI supports outreach, outpatient clinical care, case management, peer support, and innovative, nontraditional approaches to mental health care throughout California.
Here are few CVHI grantees and service areas:
As of August 2026, CVHI grantees delivered more than 30,000 appointments statewide, including:
-
23,083 outpatient clinical appointments
-
6,360 case management appointments
-
1,318 peer support appointments
-
100 appointments for nontraditional care
Beyond direct services, outreach efforts are connecting veterans and families who had not previously engaged with available resources to counseling, crisis intervention, and other support.
The initiative is meeting or exceeding key goals for timely access to care and improved mental health outcomes. Grantees report shorter wait times and improved access to culturally competent services, helping veterans and their families receive care that reflects their individual needs and experiences.
California’s efforts have also earned national recognition. The National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) presented CalVet with its Abraham Lincoln Pillar of Excellence Award for CVHI, recognizing the state’s work to expand mental health care and strengthen community-based support for veterans.
Building on longstanding efforts
Since 2019, Governor Newsom has prioritized veterans through sustained investments — more than $10.5 billion — across state government, including:
More information about support services for veterans is available at calvet.ca.gov.
Connecting veterans and families to resources
Veterans and their families can learn more about this initiative and available mental health resources at CalVet’s CVHI webpage and CalVet’s partners at the Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD). Veterans can also contact their local County Veterans Service Office for assistance navigating benefits and services.
Veterans experiencing a mental health crisis, and those concerned about a veteran, can call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
