Delgado introduces legislation to improve veterans’ crisis line

WASHINGTON – Congressman Antonio Delgado (D, NY-19) and three other House members have introduced legislation to improve the Veterans Crisis Line. The Revising and Expediting Actions for the Crisis Hotline (REACH) for Veterans Act would implement key improvements in staff training and management.

The bill would also facilitate the crisis line’s transition to 9-8-8- as part of the national suicide prevention hotline.

The bill is also sponsored in the House by Tracey Mann (R, KS-01), Mikie Sherrill (D, NJ-11), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R, IA-02).

“This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would implement critical recommendations made by the Office of Inspector General to better serve veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserves, and their families,” said Delgado.

The bill in sponsored in the Senate by John Tester (D, MT), and Jerry Moran (D, KS).

The legislation is endorsed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, National Board for Certified Counselors, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Wounded Warrior Project.