Committee on Veterans' Affairs U S Hou

Combating the Crisis Committee on Veterans' Affairs U S Hou

In 2014, IAVA [Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America] launched the Campaign to Combat Suicide, a result of our members continually identifying mental health and suicide as the number-one issue facing post-9/11 vets. This campaign centers around the principle that timely access to high-quality mental health care is critical in the fight to combat suicide. The signing of the Clay Hunt SAV Act into law was an important first step. We thank Richard and Susan Sulky for courageously inspiring us all to do the right thing, Congress for passing this legislation, and the VA for their commitment to fully implement the law. In IAVA's annual member survey, over 80 percent of members with a mental health injury reported seeking care. This is an increase from our last survey. They continue to emphasize the role of the family and friends with over 75 percent who reported having a loved one suggest they seek help and, as a result, getting that help. Research shows early intervention and timely access to mental health care are key to improving quality of life, promoting recovery, obviating long-term health consequences, and minimizing the disabling effects of mental illness and the risk of suicide. In recent years, VA's mental health programs and suicide prevention efforts have been both praised and criticized. Outside sources have described the scope, depth and breadth of VA's multivariant mental health approaches as superior to care in the private sector. Additionally, data shows that VA users have a lower suicide rate than veterans not using the VA Health Care System.