Bilirakis Works To Address Veteran Suicide

The House Veterans' Affairs Committee today held a hearing to address the issue of Veteran suicide. Members and witnesses from the Department of Veterans' Affairs reviewed current prevention efforts to evaluate effectiveness and determine steps to reform current programs and resources.

"The tragic reality is our Veterans face many physical and mental wounds when they return home from service," said Congressman Bilirakis. "Recent reports have shown an average of 22 Veterans commit suicide everyday. This is heartbreaking. Our Veterans are our heroes, and should return home to ample support and access to resources to help them cope with their physical and mental wounds. Today's hearing provided us with more information to better serve those who have served our nation."

Congressman Bilirakis's COVER Act, introduced last year, is aimed at helping Veterans receive alternative forms of therapy to better address their invisible wounds. This legislation establishes a commission to examine the VA's current therapy model and will provide Veterans with more choices.

"We must do all we can to help our Veterans struggling with these invisible wounds," added Bilirakis. "Our Veterans should receive care on a case-by-case basis, this isn't a one size fits all solution. My COVER Act helps to provide our heroes with a variety of options such as service dog therapy, outdoor sports therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, accelerated resolution therapy, and more. We can find what works for each and every hero. I urge my Senate colleagues to advance this legislation. We cannot lose any more of our heroes to suicide, and I will continue my work to address the issue and support all those who serve."