66th Legislature HR0003.01
1 HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 3
2 INTRODUCED BY B. BESSETTE
3
4 A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING
5 CONGRESSIONAL ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR
6 VETERANS.
7
8 WHEREAS, Montana has one of the highest ratios of veterans to population, with veterans making up
9 10% of Montana's total population and more than 13% of its population 18 years of age and older; and
10 WHEREAS, Montana continues to have one of the highest suicide rates in the country, and studies show
11 that veterans are at higher risk of suicide in Western, rural states and account for more than one out of every five
12 suicide deaths in Montana; and
13 WHEREAS, recent articles highlight an increase in "protest suicides" carried out by veterans in the
14 parking lots of hospitals operated by the Veterans Health Administration, emphasizing once again the urgent need
15 to deliver on mental health care needs for U.S. servicemen and women; and
16 WHEREAS, about three-fourths of Montana veterans are eligible for health care services through the U.S.
17 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and about two-thirds of eligible Montana veterans are enrolled with the
18 Montana VA health care system; and
19 WHEREAS, Montana has a clear and imminent interest in ensuring that the best level of care is provided
20 to the state's veterans through the Montana VA health care system.
21
22 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
23 MONTANA:
24 That the United States Congress consider enacting legislation that would:
25 (1) expand the availability of VA mental health services and community-based transition assistance for
26 individuals who have recently separated from military service, including for those who were dismissed with
27 other-than-honorable discharges;
28 (2) establish new grant programs and additional opportunities for the VA to partner with state and local
29 organizations on the delivery of mental health services for veterans, including services provided via telemedicine;
30 (3) require the VA to assess the capacity of its existing mental health workforce and establish a
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66th Legislature HR0003.01
1 scholarship program for mental health professionals in training who commit to serving veterans after they
2 graduate;
3 (4) require the VA to develop metrics and monitor its progress in accomplishing the goals and objectives
4 outlined in its National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide (2018-2028); and
5 (5) require the VA to assemble an inventory of its existing suicide prevention outreach efforts, including
6 any partnerships with state and local entities, and to evaluate the outcomes of these efforts.
7 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to the President
8 of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority and Minority
9 Leaders of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and to each member of
10 the Montana Congressional Delegation.
11 - END -
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