Archive for 23 October, 2007
HOUSE PASSES LEGISLATION TO PREVENT VETERAN SUICIDE
October 23, 2007 4:57 pm
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) and his colleagues in the House of Representatives passed the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act (H.R. 327), a bill that directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and carry out a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans.
“Suicide among veterans who are not receiving proper mental health care is a serious problem,” said Congressman Higgins. “The system needs to be fixed now, so that not one more veteran who needs help is ignored.”
Veterans are twice as likely to commit suicide than those without military service, but gaps in our current system cause many veterans who need help to slip through the cracks. The problem has been exacerbated by an increase in troops serving overseas for longer deployments. In the 12 months ending June 30 the number of war veterans seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder increased by nearly 70%.
“We have already lost too many soldiers and more brave service members are scheduled to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Higgins. “In January, New York families will see off the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which has companies that will be deployed from Buffalo and Jamestown. We cannot fail them.”
The Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act will develop a comprehensive suicide prevention program for our veterans, paying particular attention to those recently returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It contains a number of provisions to help decrease the number of suicides:
· Mandatory training for appropriate staff and contractors;
· Proper screening for and offer mental health assessments to veterans;
· Designated suicide prevention counselors;
· 24-Hour Mental Health Care availability to veterans;
· Establishment of a toll-free hotline;
· Outreach and Education for Veterans and Families;
· Establishment of a peer support counseling program;
“As Veterans Day approaches, let us not forget the sacrifices of the men and women of our Armed Forces. They deserve our respect and support. We have an obligation as a Nation to give back and to help them,” Congressman Higgins said.
