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VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2023

3/8/2024, 8:15 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1639

Bill 118 HR 1639, also known as the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to establish a demonstration project within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide grants to eligible entities for the purpose of implementing and evaluating a comprehensive, evidence-based, and integrated approach to suicide prevention for veterans.

The bill aims to address the alarming rate of suicide among veterans by creating a program that focuses on early intervention, mental health treatment, and support services. The VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2023 seeks to improve coordination between the VA and community organizations to ensure that veterans receive the care and support they need to prevent suicide.

If passed, this legislation would allocate funding for the demonstration project and require the VA to report on the progress and outcomes of the program. The goal is to identify best practices in suicide prevention and develop a model that can be replicated across the VA system to reduce the number of veteran suicides. Overall, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2023 is a bipartisan effort to address a critical issue facing our nation's veterans and provide them with the support and resources they need to prevent suicide.

Congressional Summary of HR 1639

VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2023

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program for the purpose of improving safety and suicide care for veterans. The program must be implemented at five VA medical centers, including one that serves veterans in rural and remote areas.

Current Status of Bill HR 1639

Bill HR 1639 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 17, 2023. Bill HR 1639 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 17, 2023.  Bill HR 1639's most recent activity was Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held as of July 18, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1639

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
32
Democrat Cosponsors
20
Republican Cosponsors
12
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1639

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact Areas

- Congressional oversight
- Health care quality
- Health programs administration and funding
- Medical education
- Medical tests and diagnostic methods
- Mental health
- Performance measurement
- Veterans' medical care

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1639

VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2023
VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2023
To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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