WASHINGTON, DC  – Today Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee released the following statement regarding reports of increasing numbers of suicides among Army personnel.

 “I am deeply troubled by the continuing increase in Army suicides.  This is an unacceptable situation.  While some programs are in place, the Army clearly does not have all of the mental health programs and providers needed to protect our soldiers and their families.  And that must change,” Chairwoman Davis said.  “The Military Personnel Subcommittee will continue our efforts to ensure that the Army and all the services provide whatever care is needed across the full spectrum of mental health to reduce the number of suicides and safeguard the psychological health of our service members and their families.”

In the National Defense Authorization Act for 2009, Congress required the Department of Defense to establish a task force on the prevention of suicide by members of the Armed Forces, in order to aid the Secretary of Defense in developing a comprehensive suicide prevention policy. DOD is currently in the process of setting up the task force.

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