Kelly McClelland

The Missouri Veterans Commission meeting included discussions on construction and renovation projects, staffing needs in veterans' homes, and legal clinics held across the state. Updates were provided on ongoing construction projects, COVID-19-related projects, and recruitment and retention initiatives. The Veterans Suicide Prevention Program and Veteran Cemeteries Program were also reviewed. Additionally, the Veteran Services Program and Veteran Homes Program presented satisfaction survey results. The budget and finance were discussed, including the review of various funds and the budget timeline. Legislative updates were provided, and an agency partner expressed their desire for the Kansas City VA to support MVC.

The meeting included commission updates from the Executive Director, General Counsel, and various programs including Facilities, Human Resources, Veterans Suicide Prevention, Cemeteries, Veterans Service Program, and Homes Program. Budget and Finance were reviewed including the Missouri Veterans Commission Budget for FY26 and the Budget Timeline. There were also legislative and agency partner updates, as well as chair comments and announcements. The meeting also included a closed session to discuss matters relating to legal actions, causes of action or litigation.

The strategic plan for the Missouri Veterans Commission focuses on improving communication, stakeholder engagement, and team development. Key priorities include gathering feedback to improve the organization, enhancing public relations to ensure veterans receive their benefits, improving suicide awareness, attracting and retaining compassionate team members, developing staff skills, utilizing data for predictive modeling, expanding outreach efforts, reinforcing stakeholder relationships, and securing new funding streams.

The Missouri Veterans Commission's Veterans Suicide Prevention Report for 2025 focuses on proactive measures to decrease suicide rates among Missouri Veterans. It addresses the higher rates of mental health challenges and suicidality faced by Veterans, compounded by military and combat stressors and reintegration difficulties. The report identifies key areas for improvement, including addressing data reporting delays, reducing the stigma of mental health, and improving access to care. The intent of the program is to implement a multifaceted strategy that promotes mental health awareness, improves data collection, enhances access to healthcare, and fosters collaboration among state and federal entities.

The meeting included recognition of the DPS Team Member of the Month, approval of open and closed meeting minutes from February 3, 2025, and commission officer elections. There were commission updates from the Executive Director, General Counsel, and on facilities, human resources, veterans suicide prevention, cemeteries, the Veterans Service Program, the Homes Program, and budget and finance. A legislative update was provided, as well as agency partner reports from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs Hospital Directors, Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission (MMPEC), and Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations (MAVO). The meeting also covered chair comments and announcements, including commission meetings for 2025 and recommended commission meeting dates for 2026.