Fitzpatrick at White House as President Signs Veteran Mental Health Care Bill

Bucks County Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick was at the White House Thursday to join President Obama and a group of lawmakers for the signing of a bill aimed to strengthen mental health care services for veterans.

The bill, the Clay Hunt SAV Act (H.R. 203), is co-sponsored by the Bucks County Republican, a member of the Veteran Mental Health Caucus.

“Twenty-two American veterans take their own life each day – an epidemic that should devastate every citizen and push every leader to find solutions,” Fitzpatrick said. “With a new generation of veterans returning from the battlefield, we’re seeing the impact of injuries – those both seen and unseen – as these heroes transition back into civilian life. This law ensures we’re addressing the new challenges our veterans face.”

The bill is named after Clay Hunt, a United States Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“After receiving a Purple Heart, Hunt was honorably discharged from the service in 2009. Upon returning home, Hunt sought mental health assistance for his PTSD through the VA system and appealed his 30-percent disability rating after finding that his PTSD preventing him for holding a steady job. Sadly, after months of waiting and bureaucratic barriers - including the VA losing his files, Hunt committed suicide at the age of 28. Five weeks after his death, the VA rated his PTSD 100-percent,” according to a statement from Fitzpatrick’s office.

According to Fitzpatrick, the legislation accomplishes the follwing things:

• calls for an independent review of the shortcomings of the VA’s mental health response
• clears the way for the hiring of more VA psychologists
• establishes pilot programs to better assist veteran transition to civilian life
• authorizes the VA to collaborate with local non-profit mental health organizations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of suicide prevention efforts

Local veterans groups say they support the bill.

“The Travis Manion Foundation is proud to stand behind this important bill that continues to bring awareness and solutions to the tragedy of veteran suicide,” said Amy Looney, Director of Survivor Services for the Bucks County-based veterans’ support non-profit. “We stand with the military families who have lost their loved ones to suicide and will continue to provide them support as long as the need exists.”

If you or a veteran you know is struggling with access to VA mental health care, contact Congressman Fitzpatrick’s Veteran Advocates hotline at (215) 579-8102. If dealing with thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Hotline 1-800-273-8255.