Special Report: Saving Veterans’ Lives: The Case for County-Funded Jail Healthcare

Every day, thousands of veterans sit in county jails, caught in a cycle of trauma, homelessness, and untreated health conditions. The statistics are staggering:

• 1 in 3 veterans (31%) has experienced an arrest in their lifetime—amounting to nearly 5.9 million veterans (CCJ, 2021; Military.com, 2023).

• A 2020 systematic review found that 85% of veterans in treatment had at least one criminal charge (PMC, 2020).

• 30% of incarcerated veterans are homeless, a major factor in repeated arrests and jail stays (HUD, 2023; Justice.gov, 2025).

• Justice-involved veterans are twice as likely to attempt suicide, with incarceration compounding an already 60% higher suicide rate among veterans compared to non-veterans (Pew, 2023; VA, 2024).

These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real people who risked their lives for our country. Many veterans find themselves trapped in the criminal justice system due to conditions directly linked to their service, including PTSD, TBI, and substance use disorders. The consequences are devastating: chronic homelessness, mental health crises, and an increased risk of suicide.

Counties have the power to save veteran lives by prioritizing healthcare within their jails. By funding veteran-focused healthcare and rehabilitation services, we can:

• Provide early intervention for PTSD, TBI, and substance use disorders

• Reduce recidivism and chronic homelessness

• Lower the risk of veteran suicide

• Save taxpayer dollars by reducing repeated jail stays

Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. (ACH) specializes in providing tailored healthcare solutions for county jails, including targeted support for incarcerated veterans. Their expertise in jail-based healthcare ensures that veterans have access to the mental health treatment, substance use support, and medical care they need to recover and reintegrate successfully into society. In partnership, ACH can:

• Implement veteran-specific screening and treatment programs

• Provide PTSD and TBI-focused mental health services

• Offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders

• Develop rehabilitative and reentry programs to prevent recidivism

Veterans were there for us—now it’s time for us to be there for them. Ensuring access to healthcare in county jails isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a practical, life-saving investment.

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