Thread by @iava

#WATCH: IAVA CEO @JeremyButler01 testifies before the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee on the Senate-passed Commander John Scott Hannon Mental Healthcare Improvement Act. Legislation that would #CombatSuicide & save #veteran lives. @SenateVA @SVACDems
veterans.senate.gov

“For nearly a decade, #IAVA & the veteran community has called for immediate action by our nation’s leaders to appropriately respond to the crisis of over 20 military & veterans dying every day by suicide.” @JeremyButler01

“In our latest Member Survey, a stunning 65% of #IAVA members reported service-connected PTSD & over half report anxiety (65%) or depression (56%). Additionally, 65% of IAVA members know a post-9/11 veteran who attempted suicide.” @JeremyButler01

“Every day, we are losing more of our brothers & sisters to suicide. Now is not the time for America to let up. Instead, this is a time to redouble our efforts as a nation & answer the call to action. IAVA will continue to maintain our leadership on that charge.” @JeremyButler01

“The number one issue for IAVA remains our Campaign to #CombatSuicide & the centerpiece of that campaign - the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (S. 785).” @JeremyButler01

“...the bill’s investment into a number of studies, such as a study on Vet Centers’ Readjustment Counselors efficacy, & increased # of tracking metrics to ensure that VA is providing the best possible mental health care, is critical to underst&ing the current suicide epidemic.”

“IAVA believes that it would be completely irresponsible if the 116th Congress ends its legislative work this December without having at least passed the Commander Hannon Act.” @JeremyButler01

“There has been plenty of talk but not...enough action to address the worsening crisis of veteran suicide & we are literally at a crossroads. 2020 can be the year where we joined together to pass...legislation to take the next big step to #combatsuicide.” @JeremyButler01

“The best & most responsible way forward for our nation’s veterans is for the House to take up S. 785 as passed unanimously by the Senate. Following enactment, we encourage the Committees to consider additional provisions in a new package of legislation.” @JeremyButler01

“Thank you again for the opportunity to share IAVA’s views & the importance of passing the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act now.” @JeremyButler01

Click the link below to read @JeremyButler01’s full testimony for today’s hearing.
iava.org/wp-content/upl…