On February 3, by a vote of 99-0, the Senate unanimously passed the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (SAV Act) (S. 167). The act includes valuable initiatives that support the mental health needs of the total force — active duty, National Guard, and Reserve — and veterans who are experiencing challenges resulting from service-related mental health conditions, traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress.
Following the Senate vote, retired Navy Vice Adm. Norb Ryan, president of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), said, “This bill is extremely encouraging in our efforts to stem the tide of suicide among our servicemembers and veterans. We are deeply appreciative of the 114th Congress’ support for our nation’s warriors and veterans and their families in passing this bipartisan legislation. We also congratulate our partners in The Military Coalition and other veteran service organizations who have led a tireless campaign with commitment and determination to see this bill through.”
“The mental well-being of our troops, veterans and family members has long been a concern and a mission for MOAA,” Ryan said. “While significant progress has been made to address mental health care and suicide prevention across the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA), the SAV Act will go a long way in filling existing gaps in care that are so desperately needed.”
Increased use of peer support, psychiatric workforce enhancement incentives and health care access provisions are just a few of many mental health care services and suicide-prevention program improvements to be realized through the implementation of the provision throughout the VA and DoD.
