STATEHOUSE (April 24, 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 Lake County legislators.
A new law, which State Reps. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron), Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville) supported, passed during the 2024 legislative session and 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.
"Service members and veterans face unique mental health challenges, which put them at a greater risk of suicide than the general public, especially right after leaving the service," said Aylesworth, an Army veteran. "We know that when these individuals go missing, there's a significant chance that a tragedy occurs. Indiana is taking action by creating a new public alert that will help families and first responders find their missing loved one and connect them to help."
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.
"From past cases, we know that veterans are at a greater risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, which makes a disappearance all the more concerning," Olthoff said. "By notifying first responders, the public and media immediately, we increase our chances of finding missing veterans and reuniting them with their loved ones."
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.
"Our veterans have done a lot to protect and serve our nation and now it is our turn to look out for them," Slager said. "We want to ensure that at-risk veterans know that they are not alone in their time of need."
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.
-30-
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes a portion of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
