STATEHOUSE – Legislation that passed unanimously this past session will create a new alert that will help locate missing and at-risk veterans.
House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1021 creates what is called a Green Alert, which is similar to Indiana’s Amber Alerts and Silver alerts. This alert will be used to help notify the public when a veteran or military service member is reported missing and is believed to be at-risk of hurting themselves or others.
HEA 1021 was supported by both sides of the chamber – Senate and House of Representatives – and received additional support from groups such as Military/Veterans Coalition of Indiana, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Guard Association of Indiana.
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) co-authored HEA 1021 and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Jeter said in a recent press release about the new alert that often veterans and current military service members struggle with their mental health during service or after returning home.
“This new tool will help our community and first responders come together to make sure we’re there to provide support in case of an emergency, and get these Hoosiers connected with the resources they need,” said Jeter in the press release.
These alerts will be issued by the Indiana State Police within 48 hours of the individual being reported as missing and can be issued for veterans, active service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing.
HEA 1021 states that “high-risk missing person” means a person whose whereabouts are unknown and may be at risk of injury or death. Those who would be considered at-risk includes but not limited to a person who is missing as the result of abduction by a stranger; the result of the commission of a crime; missing for more than 30 days; someone who needs medical attention or prescription medication; a missing person who is mentally impaired; and someone missing who is less than 21 years old age.
Similar to Indiana’s Amber and Silver Alerts, the notifications sent out for the Green Alerts will include a description of the person and any last known whereabouts alongside whether they are considered at risk to themselves or to others.
In 2021, nearly 140 Hoosier veterans died by suicide according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs — making it higher than the national average. Nationwide, the number jumps to 6,000 people.
State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) said in the press release that the alert could be a “gamechanger” when collecting and locating a missing veteran or currently serving member.
“We want our struggling heroes to know that we care about them and will do everything we can to get them the help that they need,” said Criswell in the release.
Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) spoke similarly to Jeter and Criswell, mentioning how the new law is vital for Hoosiers when trying to quickly locate a veteran who may be at-risk.
“This public alert is a promise to our veterans that we will look for them, and help them get the help and support they need,” Cherry said in the release.
Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the piece of legislation, and it will take into effect this July 1.
In the meantime, if someone needs confidential crisis support – veterans or not – they can dial 988 then press one for the 988 Crisis Suicide Hotline, or text 838255 for Veterans Crisis Line. Callers do not have to be enrolled in Veteran Affairs benefits or health care to connect. Hoosiers can also visit veteranscrisisline.net and join a chat with a VA responder.
For 24/7, confidential crisis support, veterans or their loved ones can dial 988 then press one or send a text to 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Callers do not have to be enrolled in Veteran Affairs benefits or health care to connect and can remain anonymous if they wish to be. Hoosiers can also visit veteranscrisisline.net and join a chat with a VA responder.
For more information on this soon-to-be active law and others passed during the last Indiana General Assembly, visit www.iga.in.gov.
