Us Congress House Bill HR674

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/8/23
• Refer: 9/8/23

Caption

Expressing support for the designation of September 22 as "National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day".

Impact

The resolution advocates for national awareness surrounding the mental health struggles of military members and veterans. By designating a specific day for recognition, it strengthens the call for adequate mental health support and resources while combatting stigma surrounding mental health in these communities. This initiative aligns with September being recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, proposing a focused effort on addressing the unique needs of military families.

Summary

House Resolution 674 expresses support for the designation of September 22 as 'National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day'. This resolution aims to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by military personnel and veterans, highlighting issues such as post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, which contribute to high rates of suicide among these populations. The resolution emphasizes the importance of mental well-being in maintaining the readiness and fulfilling lives of service members and veterans alike.

Contention

While the resolution is presented as a means of raising awareness, it also implicitly calls for further action in terms of policy and resource allocation for veteran assistance programs. Potential points of contention may arise regarding the sufficiency of current mental health services and the appropriate level of government intervention to effectively address these issues. Some stakeholders may question whether simply designating a day is sufficient to tackle the deeper systemic problems within military and veteran healthcare systems.