New York, NY – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is celebrating today’s unanimous passage of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (S. 785) by the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs (SVAC).
The bipartisan, IAVA-backed legislation by SVAC Ranking Member Jon Tester (D-MT) and Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) aims to improve veterans’ access to mental health care and combat the suicide crisis.
“IAVA first launched its campaign to combat veteran suicide six years ago, which culminated in the passage of the Clay Hunt SAV Act,” said IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler. “That was only the beginning and we have been proud to partner over the last year with Sens. Tester and Moran on this significant next step. We commend them for their bipartisan collaboration to move this bill forward. IAVA calls on the full Senate to expeditiously pass this critical bill.”
The bill builds upon innovative suicide prevention initiatives, including IAVA’s recommendation for investment in community-based organizations that provide suicide prevention services through grant programs.
Further, it strengthens support for service members separating from the military, bolsters the VA’s mental health workforce to serve more veterans, invests in innovative and alternative treatment options, and increases veterans’ access to telehealth services, among many other provisions.
Cmdr. Hannon served 23 years in the U.S. Navy as a SEAL. He retired to Montana where he received treatment for his invisible wounds of war while helping other veterans find their own paths to recovery.
Sadly, he died by suicide in 2018. Learn about Cmdr. Hannon’s life and service here.
About IAVA: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the premier veterans’ advocacy and support organization on the planet. Every day, we fight for veterans. Hard. We are the tip-of-the spear non-profit engine of impact that connects, unites and empowers over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide. Founded by an Iraq veteran in 2004, IAVA is the non-partisan leader in advocacy, public awareness, and 1-on-1 case-management support. We organize locally and drive historic impacts nationally.
Carol graduated from Riverside White Cross School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio and received her diploma as a registered nurse. She attended Bowling Green State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Literature. She attended the University of Toledo, College of Nursing, and received a Master’s of Nursing Science Degree as an Educator.
She has traveled extensively, is a photographer, and writes on medical issues. Carol has three children RJ, Katherine, and Stephen – one daughter-in-law; Katie – two granddaughters; Isabella Marianna and Zoe Olivia – and one grandson, Alexander Paul. She also shares her life with her husband Gordon Duff, many cats, and two rescues.
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I like the community-based approach of this initiative. It gives those in need of care and those care providers both a more holistic connection, and makes each stakeholders.
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