Serving those who served: A data-driven approach to veteran support

As a United States Marine Corps veteran, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges faced by those who’ve served our country. Transitioning from military to civilian life isn’t always smooth, and many veterans struggle to access the benefits and support they’ve earned. That’s why I’m proud to lead a new initiative at IDI that leverages our superior data capabilities to make a difference in veterans’ lives.

The IDI team consists of veterans who are acutely aware of the issues facing our fellow service members. We have identified a critical gap in how care and services are coordinated: States are mandated to offer services to their veteran population, yet they often lack the accurate, up-to-date information needed to identify and reach the population they serve. States struggle to identify veterans and veterans’ family members residing within any particular state, leaving many veterans and their families to navigate the often-complicated process of finding available benefits and programs on their own.

It was through our personal understanding of the inconsistent and disparate data between federal and state agencies that helped us identify the challenge and subsequently launch our veteran support initiative. It’s our mission to connect states with their veterans to ensure that those who’ve served receive the support and benefits they earned. By combining our data expertise with a deep understanding of veterans’ needs, we’re creating a powerful tool for positive change.

Bridging the information gap

Fundamentally, our goal is to solve the data problem. At IDI, we have developed a process that verifies registries containing veteran information and compares that information to IDI’s comprehensive database that covers nearly 100% of the adult U.S. population. When a match is identified, IDI can provide states with updated contact information for veterans residing within their borders.

Our data matching process may appear simple, but its impact is profound. States have long grappled with the challenges that come from using outdated or incomplete information, often relying on veterans to self-identify or navigate complex systems to access their benefits. IDI solves this logistical hurdle by empowering states to proactively reach out to veterans with information about healthcare, substance abuse assistance, financial support, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) benefits, and other critical services.

The design and development of this system was significant. Accessing the desired veteran data was accomplished through the unique expertise and diligence of IDI’s team as they navigated Department of Defense’s protocols. As a result, IDI is able to provide states with comprehensive, up-to-date information about their veterans in a matter of minutes, not the months or years it might have taken them to compile this data on their own.

A personal mission

Our veteran support initiative has the potential to save lives. Having been personally impacted by the issues that plague the veteran community, this goal resonates deeply within myself and my colleagues. The urgent need for better outreach and support isn’t diminishing—we only need to look to the 17 veterans who die by suicide each day¹ to confirm this. By helping states identify and connect with at-risk veterans more effectively and efficiently, we can help get important information about mental health resources, crisis hotlines, support groups, and other benefits designed specifically for servicemembers, to those who need it most.

IDI delivers a proactive approach to ensuring each veteran has access to their available benefits. This not only prevents worst-case outcomes but improves overall quality of life. Consider the veteran who’s unaware that their state offers free college tuition for their children, or doesn’t know about available property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. These earned benefits can make a significant difference in a veteran’s life, but only if the veteran is aware they exist.

Beyond basic outreach

While our initial focus is on helping states establish contact with veterans, we’re already looking ahead to more sophisticated applications of our technology. For example, our database contains a wealth of information that, when analyzed properly, could help identify veterans at higher risk of homelessness, substance abuse, or suicide.

We’re also exploring ways to leverage AI and machine learning in the development of predictive models that could flag veterans who might need additional support. Through this, we are able to maintain the agency of veterans to make decisions for themselves while also ensuring state agencies are equipped with the tools to allocate resources more effectively and reach those in need.

Another promising aspect of this initiative is its potential to support often-overlooked groups within the veteran community. For example, many female veterans aren’t aware they’re eligible for state and federal VA benefits. Our system can help states identify and connect with this underserved population to provide them with the recognition and support they deserve.

A continuing commitment

While we prepare to roll out this initiative, I’m filled with a sense of purpose and excitement. I see tremendous potential for growth and impact in introducing this new paradigm for veteran support.

As states begin to leverage our data, we’ll work closely with them to refine our offerings and develop new capabilities. We’re already exploring how we might help states use forthcoming opioid settlement funds to bolster substance abuse prevention and treatment programs for veterans.

At IDI, we’ve always believed in the power of data to drive positive change. With the veteran support initiative, we’re putting that belief into action in a way that honors and supports those who’ve served our country. If our efforts can save even one veteran’s life or significantly improve the well-being of many, we’ll consider it a success.

A personal note

As a veteran, I know what it’s like to transition back to civilian life, to navigate the complexities of veteran benefits, and to worry about fellow service members who might be struggling.

To my fellow veterans: We see you, we value you, and we’re working to ensure you receive the support and recognition you’ve earned. And to the dedicated professionals in state agencies working tirelessly to support veterans: We’re here to amplify your efforts and help you reach every veteran in your state.

Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of veterans across the country. It’s an honor to be part of this mission, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have in the years to come.

¹ Source: 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, VA Suicide Prevention, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, November 2023