STEARNS COSPONSORED LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE SERVICES TO PREVENT SUICIDE AMONG VETERANS

Washington, Jul 31, 2007 - "It is critical to provide our veterans experiencing emotional crises with 24-hour access to trained professionals," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala), Deputy Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.  "I am pleased to announce that the Department of Veterans Affairs has established a national suicide prevention hotline for veterans - 1-800-273-TALK (8255).  This operation, based in Canadaigua, N.Y., is staffed by mental health professionals."
Stearns is a cosponsor of H.R. 327, the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, which was approved by the House in March of 2007.  H.R. 327 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive program to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans, would make available 24-hour mental health care for veterans found to be at risk, and develop an outreach and education program for veterans and their families to recognize readjustment problems and promote mental health.  Added Stearns, "I applaud the VA for setting up this hotline and I hope for enactment of H.R. 327 to strengthen the VA's suicide-prevention programs."