Rep. Jim Banks Co-Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Improve VA Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources

Fort Wayne, IN – Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN), along with Reps. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY) and Mike Bost (R-IL), introduced H.R. 2333, the Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act. The bill requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an assessment of the responsibilities, workload, and vacancy rates of the Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Coordinators.

Suicide Prevention Coordinators are the face of the VA’s efforts to combat veteran suicide. They identify high-risk veterans and ensure they receive appropriate care, conduct outreach, and promote awareness and suicide prevention best practices within VA, among other responsibilities. Many Suicide Prevention Coordinators report being overworked and unable to keep up with their many responsibilities. The Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act would help ensure these men and women have the tools and resources they need to provide veterans with critical mental health resources.

Said Rep. Banks, “Only about 7% of Americans have worn our nation’s uniform, yet each day 20 veterans commit suicide.  At the forefront of this national epidemic are the caring VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation that will help those who work tirelessly to save the lives of our beloved warriors.  We must do more to prevent veteran suicide and this bill is a great step.”

Said Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, “It’s clear we’re not doing enough to support our veterans when they need it most, but the truth is there’s a lot we still don’t know about veteran suicides. That’s why I’m proud to support this legislation to require GAO to review training, workload, and staffing at VA to ensure this critical workforce is prepared to care for veterans in crisis.”