Impact of COVID-19 on mental health care for Veterans: Improvise, adapt, and overcome

Abstract: The ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic would, by most definitions, be considered a “crisis.” While crises can be overwhelming and often expose vulnerabilities and gaps in our preparedness, they can also be seen as opportunities to quickly adapt, innovate, and learn. Leiden University professor Arjen Boin described a disaster as a “crisis gone bad.” Thus, the decisions and actions during crisis may avert disaster. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a broad impact on all aspects of society including health, education, the economy, and many fundamental freedoms. We have chosen to focus on one important, but symbolic, example to demonstrate how this crisis poses a unique and real threat to the well-being of Veterans, and how that threat can be greatly mitigated through action. At a time when most are being asked to socially isolate and avoid essential travel, it is difficult to determine where regular visits for mental health care fit in.