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Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement after the committee announced it will hold a hearing on veteran suicide prevention and how to maximize effectiveness of Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) programs aimed at suicide prevention:
The Chairman released the following statement:
“Recent studies have shown that, despite greater emphasis and multiple programs, the suicide rate among veterans is still discouragingly high. As Chairman of House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, it is my duty to ensure that any veteran in crisis is provided the tools and support they need. It is critical that we provide necessary oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to check that veterans are receiving the best preventative care, whether that be from VA healthcare systems, through the Readjustment Counseling Service, or within their local communities. We must do whatever we can to help lower the rates of suicide among the at-risk veteran population and always provide the care and services they deserve.”
The following event is open to the press:
WHO: House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
WHAT: “Veteran Suicide Prevention: Maximizing Effectiveness and Increasing Awareness.”
WHEN: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 27, 2018
WHERE: 334 Cannon House Office Building and streaming here.
Background: During the hearing the full committee will discuss the findings of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) most recent suicide data reports as well as the efficacy of ongoing efforts to prevent suicide among veterans receiving care in the VA healthcare system, through the Readjustment Counseling Service, and in the community. The committee will also discuss further actions that may be needed to lower the rates of suicide among at-risk veterans.
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