Washington, D.C. — Senator Joe Donnelly conducted a conference call with members of the Indiana media today to discuss military and veteran suicide prevention efforts.  Last year, more combat troops committed suicide (349) than were killed in combat in Afghanistan (229), and 43% of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who took their own life did not seek treatment beforehand.  The Reserve and National Guard force has also seen a rise in suicides. 
“This has to stop,” said Donnelly.  “Our fighting men and women bear an incredible burden on our behalf.  I’m focused on doing everything I can to ensure that every servicemember and veteran has the resources they need and knows where to go if they need help.”
Donnelly has highlighted the issue repeatedly in Senate Armed Services Committee hearings and plans to make the mental health care of our military men and women a top priority while serving on the committee.  To seek help, servicemembers, veterans, or anyone struggling with mental health issues can call 800-273-TALK (8255) 24 hours a day.
A fact sheet on the issue is available here.
 
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Video of Senator Donnelly raising the issue of military and veteran suicides in the Senate Armed Services Committee:
 Senator Hagel Confirmation Hearing (January 30, 2013)
SD—http://www.c-spanvideo.org/clip/4372575
 
Sequestration Hearing (February 21, 2013)
HD— https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdmc-media.senate.gov/Donnelly/021213_DONNELLY_1_FTP.M2T
SD— https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdmc-media.senate.gov/Donnelly/021213_DONNELLY_1_FTP.MPG
 
DoD Civilian Leadership Confirmation Hearing (February 28, 2013)
HD— https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdmc-media.senate.gov/Donnelly/030513_DONNELLY_1_FTP.M2T
SD— https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdmc-media.senate.gov/Donnelly/030513_DONNELLY_1_FTP.MPG
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