TSgt Kristin Parsons — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 23:05:44 -0500

Mental health care legislation blocked

A single US Senator blocked a bill, the Clay Hunt SAV Act, that would have further improved mental health care for Veterans. Apparently the bill "threw money away" (Sen Coburn) that was already funded through other VA bills. The Senator stated that we just need to hold the VA accountable, not introduce a new bill.

H.R. 5059 would have required the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to annually arrange for an independent evaluation of the VA and DOD mental health care and suicide prevention programs. It would also increase the number of psychiatrists at VA facilities.

With the epidemic of suicide and mental health disorders in our Veteran population, I am infuriated that our Congress can't pass a bill, more so that one Senator could block it from being passed. I know there is a lot that has been done and needs to be done with the VA, but they have to start somewhere; just my opinion of course.

http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/227223-gop-senator-blocks-veterans-suicide-prevention-bill

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 11:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 23:24:03 -0500

I hate this dude more than anyone who currently lives.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 11:27 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 23:27:17 -0500

Sometimes we get Senators who add stuff in at the last moment and can actually taint the process. I am not saying that it is the case here, but who knows. I hate politics!

Response by CPO Paul Larsien made Nov 15 at 2019 7:53 PM

CPO Paul Larsien — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 19:53:34 -0500

The VA is the single largest cause of veteran suicides! Senior staff and regional Admins fail to put the vet first, and instead choose budget. Secondarily, pain management is in the dark ages. A vet with PTSD does not need to fear losing meaningful pain management to external agencies. Narcotics and the knee jerk reactions to an invented problem only directs the barrel of the gun back at the vet. Guess who loses! Additionally, lack of "independent" advocates and an escalation of maddening choices in procuring types of medication prevent our vets from receiving the best healthcare. The choice program, which was to save vets from long lines and deadly waits, only became a tool of the VA to use against vets; pushing them out the door to wait in long lines through the civilian medical industry . All of these things, together, add stressors to vets already struggling to hold onto life, rather, diminishing hope and will.

CPO Larsien

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Nov 8 at 2020 12:34 AM

SMSgt Bob W. — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 00:34:42 -0500

I'm confused. President Obama signed the February 2, 2015.
The new suicide prevention law is named in honor of Clay Hunt, an extraordinary young Texan and decorated Marine who served with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan. Like too many of our veterans, Clay struggled with depression and post-traumatic stress after he came home. Sadly, Clay’s life ended much too soon when he tragically committed suicide in 2011 at the age of only 28.

The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act is a testament to the type of man that Clay Hunt was — even after his death, his legacy of helping veterans lives on.

In America, our veterans and troops are still struggling. As a country, we must do more to help our veterans deal with injuries like post-traumatic stress and depression.