Moylan Highlights Suicide Prevention Initiative for Veterans

DES PLAINES, Ill. – As a longstanding supporter of the men and women in our military, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, is applauding the recent decision for Illinois to join the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide, a growing nationwide effort to provide support and mental health care for Veterans.

“The rise in mental health issues and suicide rates is a massive problem, not only for Illinois but across the country as well,” Moylan said. “These problems are far more than cause for concern, they require comprehensive action. This initiative will certainly help provide mental health treatment to Veterans and will likely save many lives, but this is hopefully only a starting point that we can build on to provide comprehensive mental health care for Veterans and all Illinois residents in need.”

The state of Illinois will be the 27th state to join the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide, an initiative to provide mental health support and preventative services to Veterans. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs (IDVA) and the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have partnered together and dedicated $2 million for this initiative. Research by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) concludes that suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals between the age of 10 and 34, and that the rate of suicide has increased 31% since 2001.

“We owe the men and women who serve this country a great debt, and we have to start showing our appreciation through concrete action on the significant problems the Veteran community faces,” Moylan said. “I am very glad that Illinois has joined this initiative and will continue working to ensure that Veterans have access to the mental health care they deserve.”

For questions concerning state issues, legislation or district matters, please contact Moylan’s full-time constituent office at 847-635-6821 or email StateRepMoylan@gmail.com.