Mental illness among our nation’s veterans is a serious problem. Stemming from the strain of violent hostilities in Iraq, the prevalence of veterans with a service-connected disability has grown alarmingly high. As of 2006, 454,598 veterans had a service-connected disability due to a mental illness, and 20 percent of soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Perhaps most concerning is the fact that these men and women are at an elevated risk for suicide. Accounting for only 11% of the population, veterans represent nearly one in five suicide attempts in the entire United States. Suicide is the only cause of death that is statistically more likely to happen with a veteran than a non-veteran.
Clearly, many of our veterans are in crisis and need greater assistance. Perhaps if they had someone to turn to when the future seemed darkest — someone who had walked a mile in their boots – the number of suicides could be reduced.
In an effort to provide that voice at the end of the line when it seems all hope is lost, I have introduced legislation, the “Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline Act of 2007” (H.R. 2219). This bill would create a 24-hour national toll-free hotline to assist our nation’s veterans in crisis. Staffed by a team of professionals trained to work with members of the Armed Services, this peer-to-peer suicide prevention hotline would offer veterans contemplating suicide the ability to discretely speak to other veterans in their time of need.
Built on the successful “Helpline” model (the national suicide prevention hotline), and Cop2Cop, the New Jersey State Police peer support program, the Veterans Hotline would coordinate the resources of local crisis centers across the country through a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Protecting the mental health of our veterans should be among our top priorities. When our soldiers return from battle, they deserve at least as much moral support as they got going in. We owe it to these brave men and women to make them as whole again as possible — both physically and mentally. This is one small way we can make a difference towards that goal.
David Hoffman “Virginia leads the way to fulfill the vision of the America that we all believe in, our ideals, our very democracy itself!” With those stirring words — echoing
Meridian Boys Soccer Falls in State Semifinals Story by Dinos • 2026 Season Recap Click image to enlarge • Meridian finished the season 18-3-1 and reached the VHSL State Semifinals.
On June 8, Falls Church’s State Legislator Marcus Simon presented Virginia House of Delegate resolutions honoring the work of five City of Falls Church residents at the City Council meeting
At the Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room in Washington D.C. last week, several Epstein survivors were present to give U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) a personal
Jim Moran
Mental illness among our nation’s veterans is a serious problem. Stemming from the strain of violent hostilities in Iraq, the prevalence of veterans with a service-connected disability has grown alarmingly high. As of 2006, 454,598 veterans had a service-connected disability due to a mental illness, and 20 percent of soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Perhaps most concerning is the fact that these men and women are at an elevated risk for suicide. Accounting for only 11% of the population, veterans represent nearly one in five suicide attempts in the entire United States. Suicide is the only cause of death that is statistically more likely to happen with a veteran than a non-veteran.
Clearly, many of our veterans are in crisis and need greater assistance. Perhaps if they had someone to turn to when the future seemed darkest — someone who had walked a mile in their boots – the number of suicides could be reduced.
In an effort to provide that voice at the end of the line when it seems all hope is lost, I have introduced legislation, the “Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline Act of 2007” (H.R. 2219). This bill would create a 24-hour national toll-free hotline to assist our nation’s veterans in crisis. Staffed by a team of professionals trained to work with members of the Armed Services, this peer-to-peer suicide prevention hotline would offer veterans contemplating suicide the ability to discretely speak to other veterans in their time of need.
Built on the successful “Helpline” model (the national suicide prevention hotline), and Cop2Cop, the New Jersey State Police peer support program, the Veterans Hotline would coordinate the resources of local crisis centers across the country through a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Protecting the mental health of our veterans should be among our top priorities. When our soldiers return from battle, they deserve at least as much moral support as they got going in. We owe it to these brave men and women to make them as whole again as possible — both physically and mentally. This is one small way we can make a difference towards that goal.
Share:
More Posts
Guest Commentary: Virginia Lt. Gov. Hashmi: “Virginia leads the way to the vision of the America we believe in!”
David Hoffman “Virginia leads the way to fulfill the vision of the America that we all believe in, our ideals, our very democracy itself!” With those stirring words — echoing
Boys Soccer: Mustangs Fall to Christiansburg in State Semifinals
Meridian Boys Soccer Falls in State Semifinals Story by Dinos • 2026 Season Recap Click image to enlarge • Meridian finished the season 18-3-1 and reached the VHSL State Semifinals.
Top F.C. Contributors Feted at City Council Ceremony
On June 8, Falls Church’s State Legislator Marcus Simon presented Virginia House of Delegate resolutions honoring the work of five City of Falls Church residents at the City Council meeting
Epstein Files Exhibit Draws Survivors, Lawmakers and Calls for Transparency
At the Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room in Washington D.C. last week, several Epstein survivors were present to give U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) a personal
Send Us A Message