“A House bill to combat veteran suicide by aiming to give federal funds to programs outside the Department of Veterans Affairs is expected to move forward despite some concerns on how to fully implement the plan.”
“The bill, the Improve Well-Being for Veterans Act, would allocate money to organizations and services outside the VA to assist veterans with mental health concerns and potentially link them to federal programs later. A large amount of veterans who commit suicide never reached out to the VA for help, according to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, and increasing support for outside groups could reach veterans who either don’t have easy access to the VA or who are skeptical of becoming a patient.”
“Supporters of the measure contend it would push more funds and resources to veterans in underserved areas and expand options for veterans facing critical mental health challenges. Opponents of the bill are concerned it would create a free-for-all of federal funds to various organizations that don’t have to provide substantial evidence of effective treatment or a history of suicide prevention.”
“The measure isn’t complete and there are several compromise drafts from Democrats and Republicans. However, Wilkie said he is confident some version of the bill will make its way through Congress soon…” Read the full article here.
Source: Suicide prevention bill that expands care beyond the VA is expected to move forward – By Steve Beynon, November 20, 2019. Stars and Stripes.
