Bill > HR6454

This bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program, a comprehensive effort to reduce veteran suicide rates through a structured, evidence-based approach. The program will be implemented at five VA medical centers, including one serving rural veterans, and will focus on developing and implementing advanced suicide prevention strategies. Over the first year, the VA will select program sites after consulting with various mental health experts, federal agencies, and veterans' organizations, and will then implement a detailed curriculum developed by the Zero Suicide Institute that includes extensive staff training, organizational self-study, and policy development around suicide screening, risk assessment, and patient care transitions. Staff at each site will undergo at least ten weeks of education, complete organizational assessments, attend specialized training, and develop data collection and communication plans to improve suicide care. The program will require annual progress reports to congressional veterans' affairs committees, detailing staff training, policy alignment, and comparing suicide-related outcomes across program sites. After five years, the Secretary can extend the pilot program for up to two additional years and will submit a final report evaluating the program's effectiveness and making recommendations about its future. The ultimate goal is to significantly reduce suicide rates among veterans by implementing a comprehensive, data-driven approach to suicide prevention and mental health care.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6454/all-info