SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 60

(By Senators Weld, Caputo, Grady, Hamilton, Lindsay, Romano, and Smith)

[Originating in the Committee on Military; reported on April 2, 2021]

Requesting the Interim Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Veterans Assistance study the merit of establishing a comprehensive program for suicide prevention among veterans and active members of the armed forces, the National Guard, and reserve components and any other veterans issues it considers appropriate.

Whereas, Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States; and

Whereas, According to numerous studies, veterans face a disproportionate risk of suicide when compared to the general population; and

Whereas, According to the most recent data from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the United States Department of Defense, an average of nearly 20 veterans and active members of the armed forces die by suicide each day; and

Whereas, Many of the wounds sustained through armed service to the United States may be invisible, but those wounds are still treatable if those bearing them are connected to the proper resources; and

Whereas, The risk of suicide can be reduced through awareness, educational efforts, adequate resources, and treatment, as well as through the promotion of preventative factors that can offset the risks of suicide, such as positive coping skills, feeling connected to others, especially veterans, and access to mental health care; and

Whereas, The startlingly high rate of veteran suicide is a national health concern that affects us all, and it is our collective responsibility to address this issue; and

Whereas, It is imperative that our state and nation unite to recognize the issues of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and difficulty readjusting to civilian life, in general, that, tragically, too often lead to a veteran contemplating or committing suicide; and

Whereas, It is the responsibility of a grateful nation to continue to care for those who have served in the armed forces by bringing awareness to this issue and removing the stigma surrounding it; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Interim Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Veterans Assistance is hereby requested to study the issue of establishing a comprehensive program for suicide prevention among veterans and active members of the armed forces, the National Guard, and reserve components and any other veterans issues it considers appropriate; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study shall seek to determine the scope of this program, the resources which shall be necessary for its establishment and operation, and identify the national, state, local, and private entities which may be necessary in order to effectively address this issue; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study shall also seek to determine what resources are available from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the United States Department of Defense, and any other federal department of program to assist with the policy goals of this program and how to best maximize those resources in coordination with the program to be established by the Department of Veterans Assistance; and, be it 

Further Resolved, That the Department of Veterans Assistance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2022, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid by the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.