Huntsville Leader

WASHINGTON – Representatives Dale W. Strong (R-AL), Lou Correa (D-CA), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), and Glenn Ivey (D-MD) have introduced the H.R. 8140, the “Supporting Every at-Risk Veteran In Critical Emergencies (SERVICE) Act,” with 13 additional Members joining as original cosponsors.

The bill aims to establish a pilot program allowing local law enforcement agencies to utilize Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants to set up dedicated "Veterans Response Teams" within departments to address emergency calls involving veterans in crisis.

In response to the introduction of the SERVICE Act, Rep. Strong emphasized the importance of supporting veterans after their return home, stating, “We owe our servicemembers a debt that cannot be repaid, and it is my honor to introduce this legislation to work towards providing our veterans with the best treatment possible.”

Rep. Correa highlighted the need to fulfill our promise to veterans, stating, “This common-sense, bipartisan legislation is key to fulfilling our promise to those who’ve offered their lives for our freedom—and will save countless lives along the way.”

Rep. Salazar emphasized the effectiveness of fellow veterans in assisting veterans in crisis, stating, “Nearly 20% of our U.S. law enforcement has served in the military, and they are undoubtedly the most well-equipped to respond to other veterans in need.”

Moreover, Rep. Ivey stressed the importance of providing mental health services to veterans, mentioning, “The SERVICE Act will help them get mental health services and prevent suicides. They deserve the respect and dignity of getting the care they rightly earned.”

The reintroduction of the SERVICE Act was welcomed by Dave Corlett, a veteran and first responder, who expressed his enthusiasm for the program's positive impact on reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental health help and preventing suicides.

In addition to the representatives, three members of the Ohio Congressional delegation, including Representatives Brad Wenstrup, Max Miller, and Troy Balderson, have also joined as cosponsors of the legislation, emphasizing the critical role of connecting veterans with mental health resources and providing support during times of crisis.

The SERVICE Act has garnered support from various veterans' organizations such as the American Legion, HOPE for the Warriors, and Vietnam Veterans of America, all endorsing the legislation for its potential to improve community relations and save lives.

The bill comes at a crucial time when veteran suicides remain a pressing issue, with strides towards prevention focused on community-based intervention and increasing access to mental health services for veterans.

The SERVICE Act aims to bridge the gap in providing support for veterans in crisis by utilizing DOJ COPS grants to train law enforcement officers on mental health issues related to military service, provide adequate resources, and promote awareness of available VA services within communities.