Ayotte Renews Support for Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Mental Health Care for Veterans

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte announced today her renewed support for bipartisan legislation that would improve mental health care and suicide prevention resources for American service members. The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, reintroduced by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. It passed the House of Representatives last week.

"Our service members' brave work defending our country often comes with significant psychological and emotional costs," said Senator Ayotte. "This bipartisan legislation would improve existing mental health programs and enhance resources for transitioning veterans to help prevent suicides. I hope the Senate will quickly take up and pass this legislation to provide our veterans with the care they need."

The bill would require third-party evaluations of existing suicide prevention programs within the Department of Defense and the VA to identify programs needing improvement or elimination. It would also establish a website with information about mental health care services available to veterans. It would also create a pilot loan repayment program for VA psychiatrists, encourage the exchange of resources among the VA and non-profit mental health organizations, create a community outreach pilot program to help veterans transition from active duty, and extend for one year the ability for certain combat veterans to enroll in the Veterans Health Administration.

Source