As part of a nationwide initiative to improve care for soldiers in their life after service, the House of Representatives recently passed a veteran suicide prevention bill. Military Times reported that this is the second time in five weeks that members of the House unanimously voted in support of mental health care legislation for vets. According to the Washington Times, the bill encountered difficulties in the Senate last month, though it is expected to easily pass this time around.
Dubbed the "Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act," the legislation calls for a more thorough examination of Veterans Affairs suicide prevention programs, including annual reviews of how effective these initiatives are. Additionally, the bill proposes a student loan repayment program in an effort to attract more qualified mental health workers to VA organizations.
Military Times reported that the law, which is named for Clay Hunt, a former marine and veteran activist who committed suicide four years ago, would also mean an updated website with more thorough information about where and how veterans can get mental health care. Additionally, the VA would create more peer support groups for veterans dealing with psychiatric issues. While these changes may seem simple, the source explained that experts believe these minor adjustments could save a number of lives.
The bill was authored by Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, noted the Washington Times. According to the source, he believes the longer U.S. lawmakers wait to pass this important bill, the more lives the nation could lose.
"Many times down here, we feel like everything we do is the most important thing that has to happen now. Rarely is that true. In this case, it is. We can't wait another day," Walz told the Washington Times.