Rooney Urges Support for Troops, Veterans during Suicide Prevention Month

Statement

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16), co-Chairman of the House Military Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Caucus, today issued the following statement in recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Month:

"Across the country and around the world, many of our nation's troops are facing struggles that most of us cannot even imagine. They need our support. While we have taken tremendous steps toward improving mental health services for our troops and veterans, we still have significant work to do.

"This month, I hope that Americans will join us in supporting our military and veteran communities, erasing the stigma of mental illness, and working to raise awareness about the mental health services that are available.

"If you are a veteran and you need assistance, there is no shame in seeking help. You can get confidential support right away by calling the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, chatting online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net, or texting 838255 to receive support -- you don't even need to be registered with the VA.

"To the families and loved ones of our veterans and service members, please visit www.VeteransCrisisLine.net to learn the warning signs and find out how you can help if a veteran you know is in crisis."

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