HR0397 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0397 LRB095 12072 DRJ 35857 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Suicide among veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem; and

WHEREAS, Veterans suffering from PTSD have special needs and should have available a comprehensive program for reducing the incidence of suicide among their number; and

WHEREAS, The elements of such a comprehensive program should include the following: destigmatizing mental illness; training of employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other personnel who interact with veterans; family education and outreach; peer support; health assessments; counseling and treatment; designation of suicide prevention counselors; research on best practices; substance abuse treatment; 24-hour mental health care; and a telephone hotline for obtaining information and referrals; and

WHEREAS, H.R. 327 and S. 479, currently before Congress, provide for such a comprehensive program for reducing the incidence of suicide among veterans and require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a report on the programs and activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans; and

WHEREAS, Congress should pass H.R. 327 and S. 479 so that veterans who have sacrificed much for our country can obtain the health care that they need; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge Congress to pass H.R. 327 and S. 479 in relation to veterans suicide prevention; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be sent to the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker and the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the Illinois Congressional delegation.