New task force for veterans to work to prevent suicide

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new cabinet-level task force for veterans that will work specifically to prevent suicide, along with the appointment of VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to lead the initiative.

President Trump established the new effort with an Executive Order, and the Task Force will make recommendations and coordinate responsibilities on this serious issue among all the federal departments and agencies. The project is titled the “President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide” – spelling out the PREVENTS Initiative.

“VA Secretary Wilkie has access to the most resources and information about our veterans, and is a good choice to lead this important initiative,” said Aumua Amata. “I’d like to say thank you to President Trump for taking this step on behalf of our veterans. This effort recognizes that many of our veterans have been through events that can impact them for their entire lives.”

A Veterans Crisis Line is available that includes phone, online chat and text options, including support for deaf or hard of hearing.