THREAD (1/9): Today, the @WhiteHouse PREVENTS Task Force unveiled its report regarding veteran suicide.
This report – advanced w/ limited input from Veteran Service Organizations or lawmakers – shows we have much more work to do to prevent veteran suicide & save veterans' lives.
(2/9) Calls for more research, interagency coordination, & meek public education campaigns are not enough.
That’s why the Committee adopted a 7-pillar framework to ensure it examines every angle, intersection, & factor that can eliminate suicide. Learn more about the approach ⬇️
(3/9) One of these pieces of legislation is Chairman @RepMarkTakano's Veterans' ACCESS Act.
This bill makes sure that any veteran in crisis – regardless of discharge status or VA eligibility – can receive the emergency #MentalHealth care they need without ever seeing a bill.
(4/9) The ACCESS Act is a meaningful solution that builds upon the 15 bipartisan bills that have already been passed out of the House.
However, there is still more work to be done to make sure veterans get the #MentalHealth care they need.
(5/9) Despite the challenges posed by the #COVID19 pandemic, the Committee has continued its work on veteran suicide prevention & #MentalHealth – including having virtual conversations with @APA & Veteran Service Organizations.
(6/9) In the coming weeks, the Committee will be unveiling evidence-based legislation that will require @DeptVetAffairs to:
• Improve the transition from active duty to veteran status
• Require a more systematic outreach to women & minority veterans at risk
(7/9)
• Mandate training in evidence-based suicide prevention techniques for all staff & contractors
• Ensure VA police receive regular & substantial crisis de-escalation training
• Expand access to lifesaving services for veterans at imminent risk of self-harm.
(8/9) Read Chairman @RepMarkTakano's full statement on the release of the @WhiteHouse PREVENTS Task Force report.
veterans.house.gov/news/press-rel…
(9/9) Remember, resources are available for veterans experiencing a #MentalHealth crisis:
- 1-800-273-8255 & press 1
- VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat
- Text 838255
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