State Rep. Cam Cavitt today announced his new legislative plan to create a Green Alert system in Michigan to help locate missing veterans and service members who are experiencing a mental or physical health crisis.

This bill would amend the Mozelle Senior or Vulnerable Adult Medical Alert Act to add a Green Alert program, which would use the state’s existing alert infrastructure to notify the public when a veteran or active-duty service member at risk goes missing.

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and the least we can do is make sure we have every possible tool to protect them when they’re in danger,” said Cavitt, R-Cheboygan. “A Green Alert system gives law enforcement, families, and the public the ability to act quickly when a veteran is in crisis.”

Under this plan, a “missing veteran at risk” would include an active-duty service member, veteran, or Michigan National Guard member who is reported missing by someone familiar with them and is experiencing a condition that puts them or others at immediate risk. These programs are used in other states and have had proven results in helping communities find veterans faster, reducing harm, and supporting families during moments of crisis.

“About 22 veterans lose their lives to suicide every single day,” said Cavitt. “Michigan must step up and ensure we have better tools to respond when a veteran is in crisis. This is a simple change that would help bring our heroes home safely.”