July 14, 2010

Ranking Member Roe Voices Concern with Veteran Suicide Rate; Seeks to Ensure Accessible and Compassionate Care is Readily Available

For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence (202) 225-3527

Washington, D.C. —Today, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Ranking Member
U.S. Congressman Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-01) expressed his commitment to our nation’s heroes by ensuring that our veterans have immediate access to the care they need in order to prevent the tragedy of suicide.

 

During the hearing, Roe noted the need to examine the progress of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suicide prevention outreach efforts. In 2007, President Bush enacted legislation to establish the comprehensive program, which includes a toll-free hotline staffed by mental health professionals, and a number of outreach efforts for veterans and their families. 

 

“Veterans who may be suffering from symptoms that could lead to the act of suicide should not only have access to proper treatment, but should qualify for swift treatment.  We must do everything we can to ease their pain and help them through the crisis they find themselves in, so they can move forward and heal,” Roe said.  

 

“This includes taking a candid look at the programs that are in place, ensuring they are reducing the number of veteran suicides, as well as determining what additional measures we can take to protect our veterans and their families from the terrible tragedy of suicide.”

 

The Subcommittee received testimony from the VA and Department of Defense officials, veterans, and a number of representatives from veterans’ service organizations. It was the fourth Subcommittee hearing on veterans’ suicide in the past two years.

 

“Today’s hearing has made it painfully clear that many of our National Guardsman and Reservists continue to lack a lifeline for help,” Roe concluded. “These servicemembers are returning to their local communities and are not afforded the level of support that our active component soldiers receive when they return to their respective bases. This is a serious problem that must be addressed immediately.”  

 

VA’s toll-free hotline is 800-273-TALK