U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) on Sept. 28 led a bipartisan contingent of Ohio lawmakers in proposing a resolution that would designate Sept. 30 as National Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day.
“I want to thank my colleagues for joining me on this resolution to amplify the importance of veteran suicide prevention efforts in Ohio and across the country,” Rep. Joyce said.
The congressman sponsored House Resolution (H.Res.) 740 alongside nine original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Bob Latta (R-OH), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Mike Carey (R-OH), and Emilia Sykes (D-OH). U.S. Rep. Mike Turner on Sept. 29 signed on as a bill cosponsor, as well.
“Every veteran who loses their life to suicide is a tragedy,” said Rep. Sykes. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution alongside my northeast Ohio colleagues to raise awareness about the struggles our veterans face so they know they’re not alone. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental healthcare to ensure no veteran dies by suicide.”
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has determined that an average of nearly 17 veterans die by suicide each day, accounting for a disproportionate percentage of all adult suicides in the United States, according to the text of H.Res. 740.
Additionally, the surviving family members of veterans “who succumb to the invisible wounds of armed service to the United States must not be forgotten and isolated,” the text says, but instead should be directed to available resources and support.
“One veteran lost to suicide is one too many,” said Rep. Joyce. “After our heroes return from defending our freedoms, it is our responsibility to ensure they have the resources they need to live a lifetime of happiness. By designating Sept. 30 as National Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day, we are letting our service members know we are on their side.”
Rep. Joyce is also the sponsor of the bipartisan Military Suicide Prevention in the 21st Century Act, H.R. 3009, which he introduced on April 28 alongside three original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).
H.R. 3009 aims to reduce the suicide rate among military service members by requiring that a mental health application is downloaded on all government-issued phones provided to service members.