House approves veteran suicide bill

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that will require more oversight and provide more money for clinicians to combat a suicide epidemic among veterans. According to the U.S. Department

News 12 Staff

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Jan 14, 2015, 4:49 AM

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Updated 3,630 days ago

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that will require more oversight and provide more money for clinicians to combat a suicide epidemic among veterans.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, about 5 million veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Each day, there are roughly 22 soldier suicides nationwide.

At the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nancy Olsen - who runs the suicide prevention clinic - says the help is welcomed. She and another staff member handle about 80 high-risk patients.

"A lot of the veterans come here. This is their family," said Olsen.

A big part of the suicide prevention program at the VA is spreading the word that help is available.

Lou Bonfante, who has been getting help for PTSD since 2006, says the Northport VA saved his life.

"The people who are going through what we are going through deserve to be taken care of," he told News 12.