U.S. Sen. Schumer Wants to Reduce Military Suicides

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer pushed legislation at the Veteran's Day Parade in Manhattan that would expand mental health screening for the military.

 

Schumer says the military currently only provides mental health screening for active service members preparing for or returning from deployment.  But he says it's the military branches whose members usually aren't deployed, like the National Guard and Reserves, that are experiencing record high suicide rates.

 

"The rate of suicide is far too high," he said.  "We need more screening.  There is much, much, much to be done."

 

Schumer says more than 30,000 veterans and military members have committed suicide since 2009.  

 

His bill would ensure every service member receives a quality mental health assessment each year regardless of deployment status.