The Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2024, also known as Bill 118 hr 9819, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve mental health services and support for veterans in order to reduce the high rate of suicide among this population.
The bill proposes several key measures to achieve this goal. Firstly, it calls for the establishment of a national suicide prevention hotline specifically for veterans, staffed by individuals trained in veteran-specific mental health issues. This hotline would be available 24/7 to provide immediate support to veterans in crisis.
Additionally, the bill seeks to increase funding for mental health services within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), with a focus on expanding access to evidence-based treatments for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. This includes hiring more mental health professionals and improving coordination of care between the VA and community providers.
Furthermore, the bill aims to enhance outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues among veterans and their families. This includes providing training for VA staff, as well as implementing public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.
Overall, the Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2024 is a comprehensive piece of legislation designed to address the mental health needs of veterans and reduce the alarming rate of suicide within this population. If passed, it has the potential to make a significant impact on the well-being of our nation's veterans.