Requests the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study strategies and best practices for suicide prevention among veterans
Impact
The proposed resolution seeks to establish a comprehensive understanding of suicide-related incidents among Louisiana's veterans by urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to maintain a database of these incidents. Additionally, the resolution mandates that the findings and recommendations of the study be submitted to the Legislature no later than sixty days prior to the 2017 Regular Session. This proactive approach aims not only to mitigate the rates of veteran suicides in Louisiana but also to influence policy directions regarding mental health services for veterans statewide.
Summary
HCR154 is a House Concurrent Resolution that requests the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to undertake a study on strategies and best practices for suicide prevention specifically tailored for veterans and service members. The resolution underscores the pressing need for enhanced suicide prevention efforts as veterans represent a significant percentage of suicide cases in the United States, comprising approximately twenty percent of the annual 38,000 suicide deaths. It aims to address the elevated risk veterans face due to various factors, including wartime experiences and the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HCR154 reflects a collective acknowledgment of the struggles that veterans face, particularly in the realm of mental health. Supporters of the bill recognize the critical need to address suicide prevention among this population. However, the degree of urgency and resource allocation for the implementation of recommended practices may spark debates among legislators regarding priorities and funding.
Contention
While the resolution is positioned to garner support due to its focus on veterans, some contention may arise regarding the methodologies proposed for the study and the eventual implementation of its strategies. Critics might raise concerns over the adequacy of support available and the effectiveness of existing mental health resources. Ultimately, HCR154 sets a foundation for an evidence-based approach to tackle a pressing issue affecting veterans, yet it opens up avenues for further discussion about the best course of action in supporting their mental health needs.
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Recognizes the month of September as suicide prevention awareness month in La. and urges greater awareness of the problem of suicide among military veterans
To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include information relating to the rate of suicide among covered Reserves in each National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report of the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.