[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[House]
[Page 13705]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             SEPTEMBER IS VETERANS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

  (Mr. BENISHEK asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as 
Veterans Suicide Prevention Month.
  America has a veteran suicide epidemic. In 2014, 20 veterans a day 
committed suicide. Only six of these were users of VA services.
  I know that the challenges of military life do not end once our 
servicemen and -women return home from Active Duty. A veteran in 
northern Michigan pointed out to me that, when calling a VA medical 
center, an automated voice directed those in a mental health crisis to 
hang up and dial a long 800 number. This made no sense.
  I am pleased VA has finally taken steps to address this. Now when a 
veteran calls Iron Mountain VA Hospital, he or she can be immediately 
connected to a mental health crisis line. I hope this feature will be 
rolled out to every VA medical facility as soon as possible.
  To all veterans struggling with whether to take your life, know there 
is no shame in asking for help.
  I thank those who have served our country for their immeasurable 
service and sacrifice.

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