Expressing support for naming surviving family members of veterans who die by suicide as “Gold Arrow Families”.

Expressing support for naming surviving family members of veterans who die by suicide as “Gold Arrow Families”.

Whereas a veteran’s past exposure to combat and high-stress environments can be associated with higher rates of mental health diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder;

Whereas rates of these conditions and disorders among veterans have risen steadily;

Whereas when a veteran commits suicide, close family members of the veteran often experience shock, anger, guilt, and sorrow;

Whereas it is important to remember stories like that of Army Specialist Ashley M. Taylor and her husband Army Private Bailey C. Taylor, who both died by suicide leaving behind their son shortly after his second birthday;

Whereas increased recognition of veterans and their family members within the community and increased screening for suicide risk should be required among Federal agencies, State and local governments, other organizations, communities, and individuals;

Whereas the response of the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans’ suicidal thoughts, attempts, and deaths should involve coordinated efforts among family members, medical professionals, counselors, and others across the veteran community;

Whereas Congress has attempted to address the problem of suicide among veterans through legislation and oversight hearings, both on prevention of veteran suicide and veteran mental health, and increased annual funding for Veterans Health Administration mental health care and behavior health services; and

Whereas while some legislation has sought to improve outreach and awareness, particularly among certain veteran communities deemed to be at high risk for suicide, certain challenges remain, and more can be done for the grieving families that are commonly forgotten about: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved,