Brindisi Introduces Bill To Improve VA Mental Health Resources

Congressman Anthony Brindisi was joined by local veterans at the Whitesboro American Legion on Wednesday to announce a new bill to improve veterans suicide prevention resources.

The bi-partisan legislation would require the U.S. Comptroller General to conduct an assessment of the workloads and vacancy rates of Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Coordinators.

Brindisi says many coordinators report being overworked and unable to keep up with their responsibilities.  He says the Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act would help ensure these men and women have the tools and resources they need to provide veterans with critical mental health resources.

20 veterans die by suicide each day.  Brindisi says that's wrong and unacceptable and more must be done to help veterans.

“It is our responsibility to ensure every veteran has a place to turn when he or she needs help. Our bill is an important step to improve VA suicide prevention resources and ensure all veterans have access to the life-saving mental health care they need" said Brindisi.

Brindisi is a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.