Sheila Jackson Lee: “As a long-time advocate for veterans' well-being and resources, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2333, the…”

“As a long-time advocate for veterans' well-being and resources, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2333, the ``Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act.'' I support H.R. 2333 because this legislation will provide much needed assistance to the VA to reduce the incidence of suicide among our veterans. The ``SPCA'' provides DVA suicide prevention coordinators with the resources needed to effectively do their job of providing veterans with critical mental health resources to veterans in need. Madam Speaker, veteran suicide is a pervasive and critical issue, threatening, and in to many heartbreaking cases, taking the lives of many of our heroes. Although, the Department of Veterans Administration has screening protocols designed to aid veterans and to stage suicide interventions, about 6,000 veterans fall through the cracks of this system annually, finding themselves without the necessary aid and resources that were promised to them. Many suicide prevention coordinators and offices specializing in veterans affairs report being overworked and unable to keep up with the demand for their services. On average, about 20 veterans die every day by suicide and since 2017, 25 veterans have taken their lives on the grounds of Veterans Affairs hospitals, including seven this year and at least four last month. These veterans were actively seeking help from an unprepared and under resourced agency before they took their lives.…”