{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-engages-veterans-suicide-prevention-think-tank-alongside", "Congresswoman Schrier Engages in Veterans Suicide Prevention Think Tank alongside Federal, State, and Local Leaders", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Pierce County\u2014 Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) participated in a Veterans Suicide Prevention Think Tank hosted by the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.\n\nThe goal of the 2nd annual Suicide Prevention Think Tank was to identify collective actions that can be taken by all participants to address Veteran suicide, showcase best practices that are making a difference, help remove obstacles by using the expertise and resources across the participating organizations, and identify the next best steps we can take together.\n\n\u201cIn the last few years two Veterans in crisis have been in officer-involved shootings in Central Washington. Just this summer a Veteran in my district died by suicide, and we know many others are suffering,\u201d said Congresswoman Schrier. \u201cThese tragedies, all within the last several years, underscore the immediate need to take action to support Veterans and prevent Veteran suicide. This 2nd annual Suicide Prevention Think Tank is a chance to identify concrete actions we can take.\u201d\n\nAt the Think Tank, Congresswoman Schrier had the chance to discuss collective opportunities to address Veteran suicide and the stressors that contribute to mental health crises among Veterans. Participants included Veterans Benefits Administration, Washington Department of Health, Washington National Guard, Seattle Seahawks, University of Washington, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, American Legion, NineLine Veteran Services, and Washington Cohen Veterans Network leadership along with other nonprofits and elected officials.\n\nEnduring chronic pain is a big risk factor for suicide. Stressful life events like transitioning from active duty, divorce, job loss, substance use, financial struggles, or housing troubles can also be risk factors for suicide. Among Veterans, these challenges can be compounded by stigma around sharing their problems with others and seeking help. Nationwide, in 2021, there were 6,392 Veteran suicides, 114 more Veteran suicides than in 2020.\n\n\u201cBy working together, state leaders can pinpoint shared priorities to help lower suicide rates among service members, Veterans, and their families,\u201d stated David Puente, WDVA Director. \u201cOur message is one of hope. We urge everyone to seek help before a crisis hits. Support is available for you and your loved ones. Don\u2019t wait, reach out!\u201d\n\n\u201cOur Suicide Prevention Think Tank\u2014the largest and most complex such meeting in VA Puget Sound\u2019s history\u2014represents our commitment to focus federal, state, and local attention on the collective actions we can take to prevent suicide among our nation\u2019s heroes,\u201d said VA Puget Sound Health Care System Executive Director Dr. Thomas Bundt. \u201cLife\u2019s challenges\u2014like trouble sleeping or financial stress\u2014can often lead to crisis. By working together, we are positioned to help tackle employment, housing affordability, mental health, food insecurities, and other stressors to support readjustment after separation so Veterans aren\u2019t struggling to the point of a mental health crisis. Our Veterans don\u2019t have to solve these challenges alone!\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-engages-veterans-suicide-prevention-think-tank-alongside"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.4829430729150772, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}