The Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act would direct the Department of Defense (DoD) to create comprehensive suicide prevention programs within all branches of the military, including the National Guard and the Reserves

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Leonard Boswell introduced the Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act, a bill directing the DoD to create comprehensive suicide programs within all branches of the military, including the National Guard and the Reserves. Boswell’s bill is companion legislation to Senator Tom Harkin’s bill, which was introduced last week.

“Last week, the Washington Post cited an Army report claiming that 121 soldiers committed suicide last year, a 20 percent increase from 2006,” said Boswell. “As a war veteran, and author of the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Bill, I find these statistics alarming.”

“While I’m extremely pleased that the Omvig bill is now law, and our veterans will be assisted, it’s just as important that we put in place programs and treatment for our active personnel,” added Boswell.

Among other things, the bill directs the DoD to conduct a service-wide mental health campaign to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues; implement annual suicide prevention training of all active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members; strengthen basic lifesaver training and training for military medics and medical personnel; and provide resources to the DoD to examine innovative and effective ways to recruit qualified uniformed mental health professionals.

“Our service members have dedicated their lives to keeping our great nation secure, and we must do all we can to help them deal with the stresses of war, said Boswell.”

Original cosponsors of the bipartisan legislation include Representatives Bruce Braley (D-IA), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Solomon Ortiz (D-TX), Nancy Boyda (D-KS), Robin Hayes (R-NC), and Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD).