New program aims to close the 'Deadly Gap' for veterans leaving service

NCT ID NCT07356492

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests an enhanced version of the Veteran Sponsorship Initiative (VSI+), which pairs high-risk transitioning service members with trained peer sponsors and connects them to mental health care. Researchers will enroll 2,700 veterans from four Army bases to see if this support reduces reintegration difficulties, depression, and suicide risk compared to usual transition services.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: peer sponsorship and community support (Onward Ops) plus VA stepped care services
What this could lead to: If successful, this program could significantly reduce suicide risk and improve mental health for veterans during the high-risk transition to civilian life.
What could go wrong: This is a large pragmatic trial, but results depend on implementation fidelity and may not generalize to all military installations. The intervention is behavioral, so individual outcomes may vary.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Behavior Suicidal Ideation Suicide Suicide Prevention

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CONNECTEDNESS HEALTH REINTEGRATION DIFFICULTIES SUICIDAL IDEATION AND BEHAVIORS

Contacts and locations

Locations

James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
RECRUITING

The Bronx, New York, 10468-3904, United States

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