Military Suicide Prevention Legislation Nears Passage

U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly says legislation nearing passage will be an enormous help in preventing suicide among military servicemembers. 

More than 3,000 active duty soldiers have taken their lives since 2001, and the rate of suicide among National Guard members has grown more than any other military branch in the last five years. 

That’s why legislation Donnelly authored requires annual mental health assessments for all servicemembers – including members of the National Guard and reservists.  He says the bill also includes strong privacy protections, an important component in combating suicide.

“In the past we’ve found the situation that some folks were afraid to talk to people because they thought, ‘Hey I might not make sergeant or I might not make the next promotion.’" Donnelly said. "This makes sure that that can’t happen.”

Donnelly says the next step will be providing help for more than just active duty servicemembers.

“The next step we want to take and make sure we have is for our veterans we have an overall comprehensive program for suicide prevention, to end homelessness for our veterans,” he said.

Donnelly’s bill was included in the National Defense Authorization Act, which the House passed last week.  Donnelly says he expects Senate approval by the end of the year.