WASHINGTON, DC (NEXSTAR) — Twenty veterans die by suicide every day despite a rising awareness, and public and private efforts to provide support.

But in the midst of the COVID relief hubbub, the Senate quietly passed legislation lawmakers have been working on for years to improve mental health services at the VA and beyond.

“We’re losing thousands more veterans at home than we’re losing fighting men and women in the field,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA.

Cassidy has been among the large bipartisan group of lawmakers fighting to connect veterans with thousands of organizations available to them.

“They answered the call to serve our nation,” Cassidy said. “Now Congress must answer the call to better serve them.”

The legislation funds suicide prevention and emergency care through VA grants to nonprofits and community programs. Sen. John Boozman, R-AR, said the idea is patterned after successful programs in his home state.

“This connection has saved lives and reversed the suicide rate in northern Arkansas,” Boozman said.

Full story (w/video): https://www.kark.com/washington/washington-dc/senate-passes-bill-to-combat-veteran-suicide-epidemic/