Published:
During American Legion’s Buddy Check Week, Ernst, Hassan Work to Combat Veteran Suicide
The bipartisan bill would build on the American
Legion’s efforts and direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop
and implement collaborative education opportunities for veterans to learn how
to conduct wellness checks.
WASHINGTON—During the
American Legion’s Buddy Check Week, U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and
Maggie Hassan (D-N.H) are teaming up to help combat veteran suicide. Their
bipartisan bill would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to
designate one week per year as “Buddy Check Week” to organize outreach events
and educate veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks.
Click here for a video on the importance of the bill.
“As a combat veteran, I know
the challenges our servicemembers face after returning to civilian life. In the
Senate, I’ve continued to work across the aisle to support these heroes by
expanding access to mental health services,” said Senator Ernst. “This bipartisan
bill will build on these efforts by helping our veterans recognize signs of
suicide risk so they can check in with their fellow veterans and help get them
the care and support they need.”
"Those who
have served our country to keep us safe, secure, and free sometimes come home
with mental health or emotional challenges, and they need help facing those
challenges," Senator Hassan said. "The Buddy Check program
that the American Legion stood up is a really great way to bring attention to
this issue. Our bipartisan bill builds on what the American Legion already
started so that the VA can further assist veterans in helping each other.”
Background:
The bill directs the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate one week each year as “Buddy
Check Week” to organize outreach events and educate veterans on how to conduct
peer wellness checks and recognize signs of suicide risk among fellow veterans.
The bill is modeled after the
American Legion’s “Buddy Check National Week of Calling” to connect veterans to
better ensure that they receive the care they need. Under the bill, the VA
would work directly with non-profits that serve veterans, mental health
experts, and members of the Armed Forces, to provide educational opportunities
for veterans to learn how to conduct wellness checks. Additionally, the bill
would ensure that the Veterans Crisis Line has a plan in place for the
potential increase in calls that may occur during a “Buddy Check Week.”
###
