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Last updated on Thursday, November 2, 2017
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) Tuesday introduced a bill that would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study the effectiveness of the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) in preventing veteran suicide.
Banks spoke about his proposal during a House Veterans' Affairs Committee last week.
"Every day, 20 veterans die from suicide," said Banks. "The Veterans Crisis Line is a critical resource the VA provides for veterans who are in mental distress. However, we need to analyze its data to ensure veterans are being connected to further help after their initial phone call. We cannot continue to lose veterans to the scourge of suicide once they safely return home from action."
The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat or text. The Veterans Crisis Line has received more than 2.3 million calls and 55,000 texts since the VA implemented it in 2007.
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