Buddy Check Included in Omnibus Mental Health Bill

On Friday we receive an American Legion Legislative Update from Katie Isaacson, Legislative Coordinator, Legislative Division of The American Legion and it is promptly posted on the Legislative Commission webpage. This week an article in the Legislative Update pointed out that our Buddy Check program is receiving national support. Here is the article.

BUDDY CHECK INCLUDED IN OMNIBUS MENTAL HEALTH BILL
Reducing the rate of veteran suicide is at the top of The American Legion mission. Now, The American Legion is turning its attention to encouraging new comprehensive legislation that aims to improve mental health care for veterans.
H.R. 6411 — the Support the Resiliency of Our Nation’s Great (STRONG) Veterans Act of 2022 — is a comprehensive mental health package that addresses mental health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It calls for VA to:
• Update training for its workforce and Veterans Crisis Line staff.
• Implement pilot programs to examine Veterans Crisis Line facilitation to increase use among high-risk veterans
• Expand access to mental health care.
• Conduct studies and research on best practices.
• Provide outreach to veterans regarding mental health resources.
During The American Legion’s recent national convention, National Legislative Division staff briefed attendees at the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission meeting on the STRONG Veterans Act. Many provisions in the STRONG Veterans Act are efforts supported by The American Legion in stand-alone bills that have now been incorporated into this mental health omnibus legislation.
Notably, it includes a provision designating a national Buddy Check Week. The American Legion launched its Buddy Check program several years ago as a way to encourage Legionnaires to conduct veteran outreach. The idea is to reconnect with veterans who may need assistance but don’t know where to go or who to ask.
The American Legion worked with Congress to draft the original bill that would establish a Buddy Check Week, as well as provide educational opportunities, materials, and references for veterans to learn how to conduct personal wellness checks and require expanded resources for the Veterans Crisis Line to handle any potential increased usage during the designated week.
“Far too many servicemembers return home suffering from the invisible wounds of war,” Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman, Jon Tester, D-Mont. said in a statement. “It’s on us to make sure the Department of Veterans Affairs has the tools it needs to connect those who served with their earned support.”

As American Legion members, our most sacred responsibility is to look out for each other and our fellow veterans. As a way to reach out to members and former members who may need help, the National Executive Committee passed Resolution 18 during Spring Meetings in May 2019. The resolution calls for Buddy Checks to be conducted Legion-wide on the weeks of The American Legion’s birthday, March 15, and Veterans Day. However, American Legion posts are encouraged to perform this vital function whenever it makes the most sense in their communities.

If your post is planning on supporting our Buddy Check Program, you may find the resources on this page helpful.

Tools For Buddy Check Teams