STATEHOUSE (April 25, 2024) – A new public notification similar to Indiana's Amber Alert will soon help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans thanks to efforts supported by Jackson County lawmakers.
A new law, which passed during the 2024 legislative session, will create a Green Alert to notify the public that a veteran or military service member is reported missing and believed to be at risk of being hurt or hurting themselves. The alert will function similarly to the state's successful Amber Alert for missing children and Silver Alert for missing seniors.
"Our service members make great sacrifices to keep Indiana and the country safe, and sometimes their experience has a profound impact on their mental health," said State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour), a veteran. "This alert will activate an immediate public notice when a veteran or active member goes missing, so that we can increase our chances of bringing them home safe."
A Green Alert could be issued by the Indiana State Police for veterans, active service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing. Like other alerts, the notification will include a description and last known location of the individual and if they are considered at-risk to themselves or others.
"Having an alert specifically for veterans and service members could help emergency workers determine the type of response needed," said State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman). "It's great to see Indiana adopt a Green Alert, and I hope it prevents tragedies like suicide and leads to more veterans getting the help they need."
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Indiana's veteran suicide rate is higher than the national average. In 2021, nearly 140 Hoosier veterans died by suicide and over 6,000 died nationwide.
"Veterans sacrifice so much in service to our state and country," said State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford). "They need our support both while serving and after their service is over. Green Alerts could help us find veterans and active members who go missing and are experiencing a crisis, and make sure they know that help and hope are available."
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. Hoosiers can also visit veteranscrisisline.net and join a chat with a VA responder.
House Enrolled Act 1021 passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives and Senate, and received support from the Military/Veterans Coalition of Indiana, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Guard Association of Indiana.
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State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) represents House District 62,
which includes all of Brown County, and portions of Monroe and Jackson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65,
which includes all of Lawrence County, and portions of Jackson, Orange and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
