Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act
This bill, titled the Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act, amends DoD’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the VA’s Solid Start program to better address mental health as servicemembers transition out of the military. Specifically, it requires TAP materials to include detailed information on mental health services, conditions (like PTSD, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders), suicide risk and warning signs, substance abuse treatment options, and the potential social and personal stressors tied to separation from the armed forces. For VA’s Solid Start, the bill adds duties related to assisting veterans who enroll in VA care and educating them about available mental health and counseling services. It also requires a joint report to Congress within one year describing the information and materials developed under these amendments. Overall, the measure aims to improve access to mental health resources during transition to reduce veteran suicide.
Key Points
- 1DoD Transition Assistance Program updates: TAP must provide comprehensive information on mental health services, treatment options for PTSD/TBI/depression/anxiety, suicide risk factors and signs, substance abuse resources, and the social stressors of leaving the military (including loss of community and isolation).
- 2Expanded focus on transition stressors: Materials must cover potential effects of separation, including loss of support systems and relationship strains.
- 3VA Solid Start program updates: Adds duties to assist eligible veterans who enroll in VA health care and to educate them about mental health and counseling services available through the Veterans Health Administration.
- 4Joint reporting requirement: Within one year of enactment, DoD and VA must submit a report to the relevant congressional committees detailing the information and materials developed under the amendments.
- 5Overall purpose: To improve mental health information and access during servicemember transition in order to reduce veteran suicide.