Another bipartisan effort is underway to address veteran suicide. A 2016 study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that, on average, 22 veterans take their lives every day in the United States.
Awareness of the problem prompted the creation of the Illinois Veteran Suicide Task Force, which identified potential causes and possible solutions. Ultimately, the Task Force’s recommendations became the foundation for House Bill 2647, which received preliminary approval during a hearing May 3 by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. House Bill 2647 would improve coordination between the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the U.S. Department of Defense and improve services for, and outreach to, returning vets.