Virginia-based company 'ClearForce' is using AI to help struggling veterans

VIENNA, Va. (7News) — Artificial Intelligence seems to be in so many areas of our lives these days and most have no idea it’s there.

Now, a Virginia-based company called ClearForce is using AI to find those veterans who are most at risk of taking their own lives.

“You start to see some common risks like homelessness, substance abuse, financial issues, relationship lack of connections, those are well documented,” said retired Marine Colonel and current VP of ClearForce Michael Hudson.

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Hudson said many of the tell-tale signs of trouble with many of these are easily found in public records. His company identifies these folks, so the onus isn’t on them to take the very big step of asking for help. Instead, ClearForce alerts one of many organizations that do outreach and tells them to connect with these folks and offer help.

“We know we are saving time, better-deploying resources and we are enabling organizations to get in front. We can’t rely on the individual to make an early assessment, ‘I’m struggling’ and then ask for help and make an early outreach. Otherwise, by the time they get there, the VA [Veteran Affairs] data shows they are already in crisis mode," said Hudson.

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Hudson is hoping that their system will save lives and will be available across the country.

If you or someone you know is struggling, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just dial 988, or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).