Mission Daybreak Grand Challenge Winner
Reducing Veteran suicides is a top clinical priority for VA. That’s why VA launched the Mission Daybreak grand challenge in 2022, which awarded $20 million to suicide prevention solutions that can meet the diverse needs of Veterans. Building off the work that began with the grand challenge, the mission brings Veterans, researchers, technologists, advocates, healthcare providers, health innovators, and service members together to collaborate and advance suicide prevention solutions.
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Origin: May 2022, Annapolis, MD Partners: Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning (OHIL), Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP)
Cabana (formerly Even Health) leverages a VR-based platform developed to provide private and safe group support for Veterans with high risk of suicide or have survived suicide attempts, focusing on peer-driven discussion and psychoeducation to tackle stigma and promote resilience. The program, rooted in a proven support group model, aims to decrease factors associated with suicide risk while fostering a sense of belonging and emotional well-being. It caters to both VA and non-VA enrolled Veterans, extending its reach through various service and community-based organizations.
Problem
Many Veterans who have survived suicide attempts do not seek help due to the stigma and shame associated with their experiences, which are compounded by general mental health stigmas. Studies suggest that reducing this stigma, improving access to care, and offering peer support are crucial steps in encouraging these individuals to engage with mental health services. To effectively prevent suicide among Veterans, it is essential to develop and evaluate programs that provide a nonjudgmental and supportive environment tailored to their unique needs.
Solution
Cabana's innovative solution delivers virtual reality-based support groups to help Veterans overcome the barriers of stigma and shame related to their suicide attempts, by ensuring privacy and anonymity in a comfortable setting. By enabling participants to access support through various devices, including smartphones and VR headsets, and allowing for anonymous interaction with voice-masking features, Cabana makes mental health support more accessible and less intimidating. This user-friendly platform facilitates peer-driven discussions and psychoeducation in a nonjudgmental space, potentially improving engagement and reducing the feeling of isolation that can be associated with traditional face-to-face therapy.
Results
The application of the Cabana virtual reality platform to deliver the SOSA intervention to Veterans is a novel approach, and while results are still developing, the intervention's effectiveness in other populations is promising. This innovative method has the potential to make a significant impact by reducing suicidal ideation and increasing resilience among Veterans. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of the SOSA groups also indicate their suitability for large-scale adoption to support those who have served.