(Washington, D.C.) – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Patty Murray released the following statement after it was reported suicides in the U.S. military increased to a record 349 in the year 2012:
“This is an epidemic that cannot be ignored. As our newest generation of servicemembers and veterans face unprecedented challenges, today’s news shows we must be doing more to ensure they are not slipping through the cracks. Providing comprehensive and coordinated care to our men and women in uniform is a step forward in making this a reality and I implore the VA and Pentagon to move quickly in implementing such measures as my Mental Health ACCESS Act. With one servicemember dying by suicide almost every single day, and 18 veterans dying by suicide every day, any delay on this is inexcusable.”
Read more information on Senator Murray’s ACCESS Act which was recently signed into law as part of the Defense Authorization Act.
