February 12, 2015

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First District today attended the President’s signing of H.R. 203, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act, at the White House.  This bipartisan legislation – which unanimously passed both the House and Senate – addresses the epidemic of suicide among our nation’s veterans.   

“Every day 22 of our nation’s heroes take their own lives; this is unacceptable,” said Titus. “It is critical that we work to address, recognize, and prevent military suicides. I had the opportunity to hear directly from Susan and Richard Selke, the parents of Clay Hunt, during a hearing last year. Their message was a powerful call to action. Today, we see those efforts continue to move forward with the signing of this bill into law.”

A recent study done by the state of Nevada found that veterans in the Silver State commit suicide at a rate more than two and a half times higher than that of non-veterans and quadruple the national rate. The study further reported that Nevada’s female veterans commit suicide at more than triple the overall rate for females statewide and nearly six times the national rate for females. 

The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act will take a multi-faceted approach to improve mental health services for veterans.  Most notably, the bill will establish a peer support and community outreach pilot program to assist transitioning servicemembers with accessing VA mental health care services. It will also offer a student loan repayment pilot program aimed at recruiting and retaining psychiatrists to help address the shortage of mental health care professionals in the VA.  

“Just as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we must promise that when our heroes return home, we will not abandon them,” emphasized Titus. 

Veterans who are struggling with thoughts of suicide, or friends and family members of veterans who need help can call the VA operated confidential support center, which is open 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The number is 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.