West palm beach va recognized by delray beach community center and police crisis intervention | va west palm beach health care | veterans affairs

PRESS RELEASE October 27, 2023 West Palm Beach , FL — The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System (WPBVAHCS) has recently been distinguished for its impactful partnership across the Delray

Beach Community, including Greenacres Palm Beach, Jupiter Vet Center, and the West Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, focusing on Veteran and police crisis intervention. This initiative aims to

enhance understanding and positive interactions between police and Veterans through specialized training on Veteran-related issues. This dynamic partnership has proven effective as evidence

shows an increase in positive encounters between police and Veterans and a decrease in the number of adverse incidents in interactions between the local Veteran community and the

participating police departments. Kenneth Dempsey, WPBVAHCS Veterans Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator, highlights the initiative’s success as he witnesses the fostering community

transformation. He says, “You can feel it. It’s measurable because we see a decrease in violent confrontations between police and Veterans in our community.” This acclaim from the Health

Administration Program salutes the commitment and innovative approaches of all stakeholders, emphasizing the role of such collaborations in advancing best practices within the VA healthcare

system, benefitting Veterans and their families. For more information, contact the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System Public Affairs Office at 561-422-8607. xxx Media contacts Andrea

Madrazo, Public Affairs Officer ###