Trump plan to stem vet suicides will focus on public awareness

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump released a long-awaited plan Wednesday to address the persistently high number of suicides by veterans, with initiatives including firearm safety, wellness programs at workplaces and new barriers near railroads and bridges.

As part of the $53 million, two-year effort, a public messaging campaign starting in the coming weeks is intended to raise awareness about suicide at a time of increased social distancing and isolation during a pandemic.

The plan also awards grants to community programs outside the Department of Veterans Affairs, building on

Trump’s expansion of the private-sector Veterans Choice health program.

“My administration is marshaling every resource to stop the crisis of veterans suicide and protect our nation’s most treasured heroes,” Trump said a White House event. He said he looked forward “to big, big progress very, very fast.”

Trump established a federal task force last year to develop a way to lower veterans’ suicides. Currently, about 20 veterans die by suicide each day, about 1.5 times higher than those who have not served in the military. The government says about 14 of those 20 were not under VA care, pointing to a need for improved outreach.

It was unclear, however, how much of the plan could result in immediate concrete action, especially in a presidential election year. Much of the effort will need congressional action as well as cooperation from governors and local groups juggling priorities of public safety and health in a pandemic.

Jeremy Butler, the CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, applauded the effort but said he was disappointed by a lack of direct action to address root causes, such as fixing barriers to education and jobs, improving housing opportunities and expanding access to health care.

“All these are things are stressors that exacerbate mental health conditions and lead to a point of crisis,” he said.

Democratic Rep. Mark Takano, who leads the House Veterans Affairs’

Committee, said he will propose legislation to address veterans’ mental health needs. Sens. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Jon Tester, D-Mont., are planning separate bipartisan legislation.

“Tepid calls for more research, interagency coordination, and meek public education campaigns won’t do enough to end this crisis,” Takano said.

White House officials expressed concern about an even greater risk of suicide due to economic strain and isolation stemming from social distancing restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We seek to reach every corner of our nation, leaving no one behind,” according to the 66-page plan, which was initially set for release in March.