#ictuscedu
The University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies (USC ITC) is developing an AI-driven virtual companion app, Battle Buddy, to combat the high suicide rates among veterans. Funded by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the app provides support, assessment, and timely intervention for veterans dealing with mental health issues. Battle Buddy uses AI technology to offer virtual companionship, suicide prevention messaging, and crisis intervention, and can connect individuals to appropriate care during a crisis. The suicide rate among veterans was 57.3% higher than non-veterans in 2020, highlighting the urgency of such an initiative. Battle Buddy is currently being demonstrated in a prototype stage, with plans for user feedback to refine the app before its official release.
https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-east/mental-health/2023/05/24/innovative-app-uses-ai-to-battle-rising-veteran-suicide-rates#