Support Grows for McCain Legislation to Prevent Overmedication & Combat Suicide Among Veterans

Press Release

Legislation introduced by Senator John McCain (R-AZ) aimed at combating veteran suicide gained momentum today with the introduction of companion legislation to the Veterans Overmedication Prevention Act of 2017 by Representatives Mike Coffman (R-CO) and Seth Moulton (D-MA) in the House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct and independent expert study on the deaths of all veterans being treated at the VA who died by suicide or from a drug overdose in the last five years. This review would ensure the VA has accurate information about the relationship between veteran suicides and prescription medication.

Additionally, this legislation would direct the VA to perform a more comprehensive review of its behavioral health workforce with a focus on mental health counselors in an effort to address workforce shortages. These professionals will increase access to services and help reduce the incidence of suicide.

"I thank Representatives Coffman and Moulton for introducing this bipartisan companion legislation in the House of Representatives to address the scandal of veterans' suicide, which claims the lives of 20 veterans each day," said Senator McCain. "Combatting this epidemic will require the best research and understanding about the key causes of veteran suicide, including whether overmedication of drugs, such as opioid painkillers, is a contributing factor in suicide-related deaths. We have a long way to go to eradicate veteran suicide, but our legislation is a step in the right direction."

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