U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Introduces Bill to Improve Veteran Mental Health Care
Rep. Morrison’s bipartisan Justice for America’s Veterans and Survivors Act will help to prevent veteran suicide
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) introduced the Justice for America’s Veterans and Survivors Act, which will require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to document and publish veterans' cause of death, their disabilities accrued during service, and whether their death was related to suicide or that disability. Better data collection and documentation will lead to better understanding of veterans’ mental health and improved suicide prevention.
This bill is co-led by Representative Chuck Edwards (NC–11) and is endorsed by the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Military Officers Association of America.
“The mental health crisis among our nation's veterans requires immediate action. As a physician, I know that having thorough and accurate data is a critical step in being able to deliver the best possible care for our patients,” said Congresswoman Morrison. “I'm proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to increase data accuracy and transparency, improve care for our veterans, support their mental health, and ensure they and their families get the benefits they have earned. Our brave veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for our country deserve nothing less.”
“Many veterans carry invisible wounds after their time of service, and we need to better understand the root causes surrounding the loss of our veterans to suicide. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs lacks accurate data on the cause of death for deceased veterans, which impacts our ability to draft policy and create effective interventions,” said Congressman Edwards. “My bill, the Justice for America’s Veterans and Survivors Act, would improve data collection on the mental health challenges faced by veterans so we can prevent these tragedies and make sure that surviving families are properly taken care of. Our veterans give everything to defend our great nation and citizens, and we owe it to them to make sure that they have the support and resources they need as they transition back to civilian life.”
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