Unfortunately, rates of suicide among veterans still remain much higher than those of other Americans and VA has found that newly separated service members are particularly at risk for suicide. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) notes the initiatives and efforts it is making to reduce suicides among veterans and service members are gradually working toward the goal of eliminating these preventable tragedies.
Sens. Brown (Ohio) and Whitehouse (R.I.) have introduced S. 132, the Daniel J. Harvey Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act, to respond to this crisis among our newest generation of veterans. The bill would create a pilot project coordinated by VA and the Department of Defense to educate transitioning service members about challenges and risks of separating from service, including readjusting to their families and communities, and protective behaviors that may assist them in a successful transition. The bill would also provide a warm hand-off to a VA provider to screen individuals for risks, introduce them to appropriate VA services and provide them with contact information if they are likely to be eligible for services.
DAV Resolution No. 059 encourages Congress to support innovation and enhance resources to support effective programming for mental health and suicide prevention.
Please act today to express your support for this important legislation and urge your Senators to cosponsor S. 132 or thank them for their support of this important legislation.
Thank you for your support of our nation’s veterans.