Tillis bill expands mental health services to military family members

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) on Sept. 23 sponsored legislation that would provide mental health counseling services to the families of United States military service members or veterans who died by suicide.

“It’s a heartbreaking tragedy, particularly for families, when a veteran or service member takes his or her life,” Sen. Tillis said. “These families sacrifice so much, and they deserve to be cared for in a time of need.”

The Expanding the Families of Veterans Access to Mental Health Services Act, S. 2817, would allow families of members or veterans of the Armed Forces who died by suicide to receive mental health treatment at Vet Centers and would retroactively cover families of veterans who previously died by suicide before enactment of this legislation, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ office.

“This legislation ensures loved ones of our service members and veterans who died by suicide have access to mental health treatments during that painful time by expanding vet center eligibility to the families,” said Sen. Tillis. “No one should have to walk alone in their grief.”

The Senate bill is companion legislation to the same-named H.R. 5029, introduced on Aug. 13 by U.S. Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC).

“I am proud to join Congressman Rouzer by introducing this legislation in the Senate,” Sen. Tillis said. “I will continue to work to make sure our brave men and women in uniform, and their families, are always taken care of.”