WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) and Congressman Frank Mrvan (D-IN-01) introduced the bipartisan Outreach Now: Timely Intervention for Mental Health Emergencies (ON TIME) Act.
The legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to make suicide prevention planning services available outside of normal business hours upon a veteran’s request, helping ensure veterans can access support when they are available.
“When veterans experience mental health crises, they deserve the attention and follow-up necessary to address their needs,” said Rep. Houchin. “Through specialized VA staff, veterans can receive help and crisis support. However, too often these specialists are only available during regular business hours. That is impractical for our working veterans, leaving them without assistance when they may need it most. This bill will ensure that veterans in crisis will have access to support through the VA at any time, day or night.”
“Thank you to Congresswoman Houchin for leading this important effort to ensure that VA resources and personnel are able to reach veterans who have been flagged as high risk for suicide,” said Rep. Mrvan. “I look forward to continuing to work with all of my colleagues to advance this initiative to ensure that those who voluntarily defend our nation receive every resource, consideration, and compassionate assistance when they return home from service.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs currently provides suicide prevention coordination services to veterans identified as being at high risk for suicide. However, veterans who are unavailable during traditional business hours may miss critical outreach and follow-up. The ON TIME Act would require VA medical centers to make these services available outside of normal working hours upon request, improving access to care and strengthening suicide prevention efforts for veterans across the country.
Read the bill text here.
