A bipartisan bill sponsored on June 10 by U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN) aims to make suicide prevention services available 24/7 at any U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center for America’s military veterans.
“When veterans experience mental health crises, they deserve the attention and follow-up necessary to address their needs,” Rep. Houchin said. “This bill will ensure that veterans in crisis will have access to support through the VA at any time, day or night.”
The congresswoman introduced Outreach Now: Timely Intervention for Mental Health Emergencies (ON TIME) Act, H.R. 9247, alongside bill cosponsor U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-IN) to require that the VA ensure that a suicide prevention coordinator is available at each VA medical center, including outside the operating hours of such medical center, as needed, to accommodate a request for suicide prevention planning services.
“Through specialized VA staff, veterans can receive help and crisis support. However, too often these specialists are only available during regular business hours,” explained Rep. Houchin. “That is impractical for our working veterans, leaving them without assistance when they may need it most.”
H.R. 9247 has been referred to the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for consideration.
“Thank you to Congresswoman Houchin for leading this important effort to ensure that VA resources and personnel are able to reach veterans who have been flagged as high risk for suicide,” said Rep. Mrvan. “I look forward to continuing to work with all of my colleagues to advance this initiative to ensure that those who voluntarily defend our nation receive every resource, consideration, and compassionate assistance when they return home from service.”