“President Trump on Wednesday unveiled a broad strategy to prevent veteran suicides, an epidemic that has remained stubbornly persistent over three administrations.”
“The 10-point road map includes an interagency effort that brings in advocacy groups and nonprofits for a holistic approach, according to the plan, and also aims to promote community-based suicide prevention programs.”
“Trump mandated the initiative in March 2019 with an executive order, but the planned release for March this year was delayed by the coronavirus crisis…”
“Second lady Karen Pence and U.S. Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams have been tapped as ambassadors for the effort, which is called the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide, or PREVENTS.”
“While some factors of suicide are understood, like financial issues or exposure to trauma, other reasons and data points remain elusive, officials said in a Wednesday call with reports, and much of the effort will focus on data collection and analysis…”
“Another thrust of the effort is collaboration with key veterans and military service organizations, which the Trump administration hopes will amplify resources and other information to veterans and family members, officials said.”
“…House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.) said in a statement Wednesday that it was ‘disappointing’ the plan was advanced with ‘limited input’ from veterans groups and lawmakers.
“’Tepid calls for more research, interagency coordination, and meek public education campaigns won’t do enough to end this crisis — we have much more substantial work to do to prevent veteran suicide and ultimately help save veterans’ lives,’ Takano said…” Read the full article here.
Source: After delays, Trump rolls out ambitious plan to end veteran suicide – By Alex Horton, June 17, 2020. The Washington Post.
