Connecting the Community To End Military Suicide Act

Connecting the Community To End Military Suicide Act

This bill requires each military department to authorize its respective service members to take up to two weeks of permissive temporary duty each year to attend a seminar, retreat, workshop, or outdoor recreational therapy event hosted by a nonprofit organization that focuses on psychological, physical, spiritual, or social wellness.

Bill 117 HR 4882, also known as the Connecting the Community To End Military Suicide Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the goal of addressing the issue of military suicide. The bill aims to improve coordination and communication between the Department of Defense (DoD) and community organizations in order to better support service members and veterans who may be at risk of suicide.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a pilot program that would create partnerships between the DoD and local community organizations, such as mental health providers, non-profit organizations, and faith-based groups. These partnerships would work together to identify and support service members and veterans who are at risk of suicide, providing them with the resources and assistance they need to address their mental health challenges.

Additionally, the bill calls for the development of a national strategy to prevent military suicide, which would involve collaboration between the DoD, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other relevant agencies. This strategy would focus on improving access to mental health services, increasing awareness of suicide prevention resources, and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues. Overall, the Connecting the Community To End Military Suicide Act seeks to address the complex and pressing issue of military suicide by fostering collaboration between the military and community organizations, and by developing a comprehensive national strategy to prevent suicide among service members and veterans.