Landmark Legislation Headed to the White House for Signature

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 23, 2020
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY – Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) celebrated House passage of landmark legislation to combat veteran suicide, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (S. 785). Since it was previously passed by the Senate, it is now headed for the president’s desk for signature.

“On behalf of IAVA’s 400,000 members, I congratulate Sens. Jerry Moran and Jon Tester, and Reps. Mark Takano and Phil Roe, the leaders of the Senate and House VA committees, respectively,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. “This important legislation aims to increase veterans’ access to care with alternative and local treatment options, and boosts the VA’s mental health workforce. We have made this important bill a top IAVA priority since its introduction and we appreciate their combined commitment to attack this continuing nationwide crisis.”

Separately, IAVA is also applauding final Congressional passage of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (S. 2661), which designates 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. It also now heads to the White House for signature.

“This legislation provides an easy-to-remember number for Americans in crisis to access the help they need, and each of these important bills will make significant and forward thinking steps to combating veteran and military suicide by improving access to critical resources,” added Butler.

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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