In 1996, the Amber Alert System was introduced to help find abducted children. In 2006, the Silver Alert System was created to mostly locate missing senior citizens.
This year, the state of Indiana has created a Green Alert to notify the public that a veteran or military service member is missing and may be at risk of hurting themselves.
Lawmakers in the Indiana General Assembly expressed concern during the last legislative session that the state’s veteran suicide rate is higher than the national average. In 2021, nearly 140 Hoosier veterans died by suicide and more than 6,000 died nationwide.
“Some service members can face unique challenges after returning home and may experience mental health issues that greatly impact their lives,” said Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus. “The Green Alert will help bring attention to these heroes that go missing when facing a crisis, making it more likely for them to get help quickly.”
Lauer is a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee.
“Unfortunately, data has shown that many service members suffer from mental health disorders, like PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder),” said Rep. Jennifer Meltzer, R-Shelbyville. “By notifying the public, media and first responders that one of these heroes is missing and at-risk, we could have a better opportunity to save a life and reunite families.”
For confidential crisis support at any time, veterans or their loved ones can dial 988 – then press 1, or send a text to 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
Callers do not have to be enrolled in Veteran Affairs benefits or health care to connect. Hoosiers can also visit veteranscrisisline.net and join a chat with a VA responder.
A Green Alert could be issued by the Indiana State Police for veterans, active service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing.
Like the Amber and Silver alerts, the notification will include a description and last known location of the individual, as well as if they are considered at-risk to themselves or others, according to a statehouse press release.
The creation of the Green Alert was introduced in House Enrolled Act 1021, submitted Jan. 8 by State Rep. Mitch Gore, R-Indianapolis. It’s final passage in the Indiana House took place on Feb. 1, while the bill was approved by the Indiana Senate on Feb. 26. In both chambers, the vote was unanimous.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the legislation on March 11, which created Public Law 40.
The effort to create a Green Alert has received support from the Military/Veterans Coalition of Indiana, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Guard Association of Indiana.
