Obama Signs Veterans Suicide Prevention Bill

ABC News: By JIM KUHNHENN Associated Press

Acknowledging the struggles of the nation’s veterans, President Barack Obama on Thursday signed legislation intended to reduce a military suicide epidemic that is claiming lives by the day.

“If you are hurting, know this. You are not forgotten,” Obama said, addressing soldiers and veterans as he prepared to affix his signature to the law.

The law requires the Pentagon and Veterans Affairs Department to submit to independent reviews of their suicide prevention programs and make information on suicide prevention more easily available to veterans.

It also offers financial incentives to psychiatrists and other mental health professionals who agree to work for the VA and assist military members as they transition from active duty to veteran status.

“Too many of our troops and veterans are still struggling,” Obama said. “They are recovering from injuries; they are mourning fallen comrades; they’re trying to reconnect with family and friends who can never fully understand what they went through in war theater”.

Read full article here:  http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/obama-sign-veterans-suicide-prevention-bill-28910570