U.S. Rep. Mike Bost representing Illinois' 12th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Mike Bost representing Illinois' 12th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), overseeing the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, opened a hearing to review the Department of Veterans Affairs' mental health policies. This comes after recent reports by the VA Office of Inspector General identified flaws in the mental health intake process and suicide risk screening guidance.
Kiggans stated, "Today we will dig deeper into VA’s mental health policies to gain insight into the processes and quality of care decisions regarding veterans’ mental health care." She emphasized the need for prompt mental health care access for veterans, highlighting the challenges experienced, particularly the delay in appointments.
Acknowledging alarming statistics, Kiggans pointed out, "In 2022, 6,407 veterans died by suicide. That is 17 veterans a day." She also shed light on the additional 20 daily deaths due to "self-injury mortality" or overdose. She criticized the practice of indiscriminately prescribing medication, calling for better professional medical consultation.
Kiggans expressed frustration over the lack of progress despite significant VA investment in mental health. "We continue to lose too many veterans to suicide. One veteran suicide is one too many," she said.
The hearing aims to evaluate VA's mental health care policies, asking, "How are these policies developed? What steps has VA taken to adjust its approach?" Kiggans emphasized the bipartisan nature of the issue, stressing, "This is not a question of spending more taxpayer dollars but getting veterans what they need when they need it."
She reiterated past discussions on workforce reforms stating, "No mission critical employees, including those at the Veterans Crisis Line, have been terminated from VA." She assured commitment to ensuring VA’s service quality, prioritizing timely mental health care for veterans.
In conclusion, Kiggans acknowledged the seriousness of the crisis and the need for enhanced oversight, noting, "Veterans should not have to wait for mental health care."
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