MSNBC: House approves Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Act

[pinboy3niner]

Last edited Tue Dec 9, 2014, 07:18 PM - Edit history (1)

12/09/14 04:35 PM
By Steve Benen

Given just how little actually happens in Congress, and how many good bills die for no apparent reason, it’s easy to get a little cynical about what’s possible in the area of federal legislation.

Once in a while, though, a good idea actually passes. Take this afternoon, for example.

The House on Tuesday passed legislation to help prevent suicides of people who served in the military.

Passed by voice vote, the bill would require a third party to conduct an annual evaluation of suicide prevention programs at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) and Defense Department.

The measure was sponsored by Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), and enjoyed the enthusiastic support of veterans’ groups including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). There is no roll call to link to because support was broad enough that the bill passed by voice vote.

...


There clearly isn’t a lot of time remaining in the lame-duck session, but the bill enjoys broad support in the Senate, and it’s expected to pass with relative ease. If all goes well, President Obama’s signature won’t be a problem.


http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/house-approves-clay-hunt-suicide-prevention-act

Related thread about the bill posted by nitpicker:

Senate introduces bill re mental health access and suicide prevention
http://www.democraticunderground.com/11795985

[Scuba]

1. A good baby step. Now, let's start taking care of our veterans. They earned it.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. K&R! Excellent news!

Just a start, but a good one!

[Victor_c3]

3. Stupid question, but what does the bill actually do?

How will it actually impact veterans like myself?

I understand that they are trying to do something, but I don't think there is much that can be done to stop suicidal ideation once it takes hold of a person. At least that is my own conclusion after dealing with it both before and after my own suicide attempt.

I have 6-10 mental health appointments a given month and I take a crap-load of meds for depression, anxiety, psychosis, and sleep. I don't drink alcohol, I eat mostly healthy, and I exercise and do yoga routinely. I honestly don't really feel it has made much of a difference at all. I'm sorry for being less than optimistic, but more doctors and more meds aren't going to fix me.

Perhaps I'm too cynical, but nothing is going to change the OIF/OEF vet suicide rate until the current crop of messed up vets dies off.

[pinboy3niner]

4. I'm sorry to take so long to respond

This law will help troops and vets who need help quickly. Not applicable to you, but a potential lifesaver for others.

We've had some discussions here before, and I really feel for you. You're going through a hell of a lot of torment, and I wish it could be easier for you. A lot of us from the VN War went through our own shit and managed to eventually have our catharsis or find our perspective somehow.

I really have to admire you for all you're doing for yourself. I know it must hurt to be doing all the right things and stil feel like you're spinning your wheels and getting nowhere.

Thankfully, you're still here. Because you're a survivor. You really don't want to die. You know, down deep, that you don't deserve this shit you're going through.

You're a good man and you deserve only the best. From what I've seen of you here, I know you will struggle but eventually you'll find your way and you will go on to help others. You may even save lives. You have that potential.

I'm confident that you're going to make it, Victor. But you're going to go through hell to get there. But there's one VN vet here who's got your back, and I'll bet there are plenty of others here who are with you. You are not alone.