Rep. Watkins Introduces Two Pieces of Legislation Aimed at Addressing Our Nation's Veteran Suicide Epidemic

Statement

Rep. Steve Watkins (KS-02) introduced H.R. 5029 The VA Suicide Prevention Services Act and H.R. 5030 The ­­­­­VA Suicide Prevention Services Accountability Act to address our nation's veteran suicide epidemic. H.R. 5029 would require the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) to ensure that each VA medical center is staffed with at least one full-time suicide prevention coordinator. H.R. 5030 would ensure accountability in the VA's mental health and suicide prevention services by requiring the Comptroller General to: report on the handling of veterans considered high risk, review mental health and suicide prevention services provided by the VA, and report on efforts made by the VA to integrate mental health care into primary care clinics. Rep. Steve Watkins issued the following statement:

"On this Veterans Day and every day, it is important to not just honor our heroes, but provide them with the services and care they deserve. The ugly truth many of our heroes face upon returning to civilian life is that the battle is not over; depression, anxiety, PTSD, our veterans are facing a mental health crisis leading to a suicide epidemic. One veteran suicide is enough to warrant action, twenty a day deserves our utmost attention. Our veterans deserve better," said Rep. Watkins. "I am proud to be introducing these two pieces of legislation aimed at addressing our nation's veteran suicide epidemic and helping my brothers and sisters who have served this great country. As a combat veteran myself, and a Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am committed to standing up for my fellow veterans and fighting to ensure our nation's finest get the care they so desperately deserve."

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