Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 65, introduced by Senator Newman, declares September 3 to September 9, 2017, as Military and Veteran Suicide Prevention Awareness Week in California. This resolution aims to raise awareness of the critical issue of suicide among military personnel and veterans, who experience suicide rates significantly higher than the general population. The resolution emphasizes the need for collective action and education aimed at recognizing the warning signs of suicide and improving outreach and treatment for those at risk.
The resolution incorporates statistics demonstrating the severity of the problem, noting that in 2014, average daily suicides among veterans reached 20, with six of these individuals actively using Veterans Affairs (VA) services. This alarming figure underscores the ongoing suicide epidemic affecting this population and highlights the inadequacy of current intervention measures. The resolution recognizes various efforts led by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the VA, which include programs like 'Be There,' aimed at providing support through confidential peer coaching and expanding mental health services.
SCR65 urges that raising awareness can contribute significantly to prevention efforts, asserting that increased public understanding of this issue is essential. It reflects a commitment from state lawmakers to advocate for necessary changes and improvements in the mental health care system for veterans. The resolution calls upon all stakeholders, including service members, veterans, advocacy groups, and the public, to collaborate in their fight against this ongoing crisis.
The sentiment around SCR65 is generally supportive, reflecting a societal recognition of the mental health struggles faced by veterans and the urgency of suicide prevention initiatives. The bill faces limited contention; however, there remains an expectation from advocates that awareness must be matched with action to improve mental health resources comprehensively. Notable points of contention might arise around the adequacy and accessibility of the mental health services already in place for veterans and considerations around federal versus state responsibilities in these areas.