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Trustee Archive
Even after spending tens of millions of dollars on suicide research and prevention programs, our Pentagon concedes it still does not know the reasons our military suicide rate has increased so rapidly. A recent report from the Pentagon found that 519 US service members died by suicide in 2021, a decrease from the 582 cases in 2020. Statistics show a pattern of young white males, both in the military and in civilian life, who use a gun to kill themselves. Studies show troops with multiple concussions and those with post-traumatic stress disorder are also more prone to suicidal thoughts and actions.
Members of the armed Forces who are behavioral health patients experiencing distress, emotional dysregulation, or suicidal ideation are often separated from direct clinical support when they need it. Advocates say the Virtual Hope Box (VHB) could help. VHB is a smartphone application designed for use by patients and their behavioral health providers as an accessory to treatment. The VHB contains simple tools to help patients with coping, relaxation, distraction and positive thinking. Users of the Virtual Hope Box application have reported significantly greater ability in coping with unpleasant emotions and thoughts.
Pending Legislation: H.R.3009 - Military Suicide Prevention in the 21st Century Act
Sponsor: Rep. David Joyce (OH)
Status: House Committee on Armed Services
Chair: Rep. Mike Rogers (AL) |
- I oppose reforming current military suicide policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Mike Johnson (LA).
- I support carrying out a pilot program to pre-program suicide prevention resources into smart devices issued to members of the Armed Forces by:
1.) Pre-downloading the Virtual Hope Box application on smart devices individually issued to members of the Armed Forces.
2.) Pre-programming the National Suicide Hotline number and Veterans Crisis Line number into the contacts for such devices.
3.) Providing training on the preventative resources described above.
And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Mike Rogers (AL) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
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| Winning Option
»» No issues were voted |
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I support carrying out a pilot program to pre-program suicide prevention resources into smart devices issued to members of the Armed Forces by:
1.) Pre-downloading the Virtual Hope Box application on smart devices individually issued to members of the Armed Forces.
2.) Pre-programming the National Suicide Hotline number and Veterans Crisis Line number into the contacts for such devices.
3.) Providing training on the preventative resources described above.
And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Mike Rogers (AL) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
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- Representative
If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Rep. Mike Rogers (AL) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting him to favorably consider passing H.R.3009 - Military Suicide Prevention in the 21st Century Act.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
If elected as a trustee, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will be awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting these funds be used to advocate, refer and provide services for veterans and members of the military in need of suicide prevention programs.
Mission: Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP funds scientific research, educates the public about mental health and suicide prevention, advocates for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention, and supports survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide.
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- No trustee votes received.
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| Poll Opening Date |
March 25, 2024 |
| Poll Closing Date |
March 31, 2024 |
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