Makes Aggressive Reforms to Combat the Veteran Suicide Crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 18, 2020
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY – Today Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) celebrated the passage into law of the Commander John Scott Hannon Act after it was signed by President Trump.

This legislation makes critical reforms in how America combats the veteran suicide crisis. It is estimated that more than 20 servicemembers and 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 at the local level to help identify isolated veterans and provide mental health services. It also establishes and expands partnerships with organizations around the country to deliver increased telehealth availability.

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 VA Committee Chairman Jerry Moran and Ranking Member Jon Tester for sponsoring this critical legislation and ensuring that it was signed by President Trump into law,” said IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler. “The innovative approaches they take in the Hannon Act are what is needed at this point in the veteran suicide crisis. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure that this groundbreaking legislation is fully implemented.”

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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