Disabled Veterans National Foundation Issues Remarks on Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Bill
Washington, DC (PRWEB) February 06, 2015 -- The Disabled Veterans National Foundation, a nonprofit veterans service organization that provides critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom, is issuing an affirmative statement on the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention bill.
The bill, which will soon arrive on the President’s desk for signing, is a measure that takes many useful steps to combat veteran suicides. One of the provisions of the bill mandates that the VA evaluate the effectiveness of its suicide prevention programs each year, and perhaps more importantly, requires the VA establish a new website that does a better job of detailing mental health resources for veterans.
In addition, this bill will launch a pilot program to help psychiatry students repay student loans to attract more talent to the VA.
“This is a very positive step in fixing the frightening issue of suicide amongst veterans,” said DVNF CEO Joseph VanFonda (USMC SgtMaj Ret). “Anything that can be done to end this alarming problem should be done. I am very hopeful that this bill will continue the positive steps to ending veteran suicide once and for all.”
DVNF is also urging any veterans in crisis, or anyone who knows a veteran in crisis, to call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1).
The Disabled Veterans National Foundation exists to provide critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom.
We achieve this mission by:
• Providing an online resource database that allows veterans to navigate the complex process of seeking benefits that they are entitled to as a result of their military service, as well as additional resources they need.
• Offering direct financial support to veteran organizations that address the unique needs of veterans, and whose missions align with that of DVNF.
• Providing supplemental assistance to homeless and low-income veterans through the Health & Comfort program and various empowerment resources.
• Serving as a thought leader on critical policy issues within the veteran community, and educating the public accordingly.
Doug Walker, Disabled Veterans National Foundation, http://www.dvnf.org, +1 202-737-0522, [email protected]
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