Gore celebrates the start of Indiana’s ‘Green Alert’ for missing, at-risk veterans

Monday, July 1, a number of laws passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect – including HEA 1021. This law establishes a “Green Alert” which notifies law enforcement and the public that a missing person is an at-risk veteran. 

State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis), author of HEA 1021, issued the following statement:

“I am so glad that this critical measure to enhance the safety of Hoosier veterans is officially available. Establishing a Green Alert sends the message to veterans that if they go missing, the state will put everything we have into finding them. 

“Indiana’s veteran suicide rate is almost 5% higher than the national average according to the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. We know that veterans struggling with PTSD are more likely to be experiencing a mental health crisis if they go missing. Adding this alert system specifically for at-risk veterans adds a sense of urgency and allows law enforcement and the public to go into the situation fully informed. 

“Our veterans risk their lives defending American freedom and democracy, and they deserve the best services available to keep them safe when they return. The Green Alert system will save lives.”

For information about what to do if an at-risk veteran in your life goes missing, visit the new Green Alert homepage here.