On March 15, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved, by voice vote, a bill (H.R. 327) that would establish a comprehensive program to reduce suicide among veterans. The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health approved the measure by voice vote on March 13.
Sponsored by Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA), H.R. 327 would direct the secretary of Veterans Affairs to create and implement a program designed to reduce suicide among veterans. The program would mandate staff training on suicide prevention, best practices research, and increased mental health care services for veterans, including 24-hour mental health care availability and a possible toll-free hotline. The measure would provide outreach and educational information to assist veterans and their families in identifying mental illness, seeking help, and coping with issues relating to the readjustment to civilian life.
H.R. 327 also would provide research on mental health care for veterans who have experienced sexual trauma while serving in the military (including reserve units).
Committee Chair Bob Filner (D-CA) said in a press release, “This committee has a tremendous opportunity to make sure that this Congress keeps the promises that have been made to our veterans. Caring for veterans is an ongoing cost of war and the measures passed today will have an impact on our veterans and their dependents.”
