The Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act Makes Critical Reforms to Address the Veteran Suicide Crisis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 6, 2020
CONTACT: press@IAVA.org
New York, NY – Last night Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) celebrated passage by the Senate, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which makes critical reforms in how America confronts the veteran suicide crisis.
It is estimated that more than 20 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States. Of those, 14 are not under the care of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Key provisions of this legislation include the creation of a community grant program within the VA to enhance VA outreach in the community to help identify isolated veterans and provide mental health services. The legislation also establishes and expands partnerships with organizations to deliver increased telehealth capabilities to veterans.
The bill is named for a former Navy SEAL who served our nation honorably for 23 years, but sadly died by suicide in 2018.
“IAVA would like to express our profound appreciation to Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran and Ranking Member Jon Tester for sponsoring this critical legislation and shepherding it through toward Senate passage,” said IAVA Executive VP Tom Porter. “The innovative approaches they take in the Hannon Act are what is needed at this point in the veteran suicide crisis. This national tragedy requires bold new efforts, and this legislation will take a big step in the right direction.”
Founded by an Iraq veteran in 2004, IAVA is the non-partisan leader in advocacy, public awareness and 1-on-1 care management and peer support. We organize locally, drive historic impacts nationally and fight for over 400,000 veterans and their allies nationwide. If a veteran or their family is in need of assistance now, please reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at www.quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist you. Visit IAVA’s The Vote Hub at www.votehub.org to register to vote and find polling information.
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