The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made the prevention of suicide among veterans one of its highest priorities and developed data models to continually monitor, improve and tailor suicide prevention strategies and initiatives for veterans. Recently, VA simplified the Veterans Crisis Line number of 988, launched the S.A.V.E. Suicide prevention training video, and began offering emergency care and treatment at VA and non-VA facilities for veterans in acute suicidal crisis.
H.R. 236 would require the VA to designate one week per year as "Battle Buddy Check Week" for the purposes of organizing outreach events and educating veterans on how to conduct mental health wellness checks.
DAV strongly supports H.R. 236, legislation consistent with DAV Resolution No. 059, which calls for mental health program improvements and outreach to transitioning service members to reduce veteran suicides.
We call on DAV members and supporters to use the prepared email to contact their representatives and urge them to co-sponsor and support H.R. 236. Thank you for all you do for America's veterans and their families.