Hatch Votes for the Reduction and Prevention of Veteran Suicides
Washington, D.C.—Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, President Pro Tem of the United States Senate, issued the following statement on the passage of the Clay Hunt SAV Act:
“Many of our veterans struggle every day with invisible injuries. These brave men and women who have given their all for us now need our support. This bill takes important steps toward recognizing those injuries and toward providing resources for individuals struggling under their weight. After all our veterans have done to stand up for our freedoms, we shouldn’t leave them to stand on their own."
Background
The Clay Hunt SAV Act will work to reduce and prevent veteran suicides by requiring the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to:
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Arrange for an independent third-party evaluation, at least annually, of the VA's mental health care and suicide prevention programs;
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Submit a report to Congress, by December 1 of each year, containing the most recent evaluations not yet submitted to Congress and any recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate;
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Directs the Secretary to survey the VA's existing Internet websites and information resources to publish an Internet website that serves as a centralized source to provide veterans with information, updated at least once every 90 days, regarding all of the VA's mental health care services;
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Requires the Secretary to carry out a three-year pilot program to repay the education loans relating to psychiatric medicine that are incurred by individuals who:
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Are eligible to practice psychiatric medicine in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) or are enrolled in the final year of a residency program leading to a specialty qualification in psychiatric medicine;
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Demonstrate a commitment to a long-term career as a psychiatrist in the VHA; and
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Agree to a period of two or more years of obligated service with the VHA in the field of psychiatric medicine, as determined by the Secretary.
