“Every day in this country, seventeen veterans take their own lives — that’s unacceptable."
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) and Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) introduced the bipartisan VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act, which would build on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) suicide prevention efforts by launching a Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program.
This program would improve veteran safety and suicide care by implementing the Zero Suicide Institute curriculum at five VA medical centers across the country. The Zero Suicide Initiative, founded by the Henry Ford Health Care System, is a program built on the belief that all suicides are preventable through proper care, patient safety, and system-wide efforts. The Zero Suicide model has delivered clear decreases in suicide rates through innovative care pathways to assess and diminish suicide risk for patients across care systems.
“America’s veterans answered the call of duty, and it’s on us to fight for them in Washington. I served in the Navy for 20 years—I will always stand with my fellow brothers and sisters to ensure they get the care they have earned in their hour of need,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “Veterans make up nearly a quarter of all deaths by suicide. The bipartisan VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act builds upon the VA’s suicide prevention efforts by implementing comprehensive programs focused on mental health outcomes in VA medical centers across the country.”
“Every day in this country, seventeen veterans take their own lives — that’s unacceptable. We need to do everything in our power to keep safe those who have sacrificed so much to protect us and bring veteran deaths by suicide to zero,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “I’m working hard in Washington to make sure that our veterans can access the medical, mental health, and support services available to them. This bipartisan, common-sense bill will strengthen mental health care at the VA, work to end veteran suicide, and improve veteran care overall.”
“Every day in this country, seventeen veterans take their own lives — that’s unacceptable. We need to do everything in our power to keep safe those who have sacrificed so much to protect us and bring veteran deaths by suicide to zero,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “I’m working hard in Washington to make sure that our veterans can access the medical, mental health, and support services available to them. This bipartisan, common-sense bill will strengthen mental health care at the VA, work to end veteran suicide, and improve veteran care overall.”
The bipartisan VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act is endorsed by key national organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled Veterans of America (DAV).
