As COVID-19 cases rise and the holidays approach, The American Legion is encouraging posts and members to shift their Buddy Check programs to assist veterans coping with mental health and well-being challenges.
The American Legion is calling on its nearly 2 million members to contact Congress to unanimously pass the Buddy Check Week bill introduced with bipartisan support from U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; Doug Jones, D-Ala.; and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H. The legislation will require VA to establish a “Buddy Check Week,” as well as provide educational opportunities, materials and references for veterans to learn more about how to conduct personal wellness checks. The bill also compels VA to expand resources for the Veterans Crisis Line to handle any potential increased volume during the designated week.
(Excerpts from article on The American Legion ONLINE UPDATE)
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