Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) is co-sponsoring bi-partisan legislation to help raise awareness of veteran suicides in New York State and how various agencies can better work together to try and prevent them. 

The first bill (S.8968), would establish a veteran suicide mortality review board to analyze suicide data, identify any gaps in service, and make recommendations on how to prevent future deaths. The board would include representatives from the Department of Health, Office of Mental Health, the Division of Veterans’ Services, mental health and public health clinicians, and others. The board would also issue an annual report to the governor and the legislature with actionable recommendations. The legislation has been sent to the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee for review. 

The second bill (S.1787) was passed unanimously by the State Senate this week and would establish the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag as the official state flag to raise awareness of veteran suicide and remember and honor those who have served the country and have fallen victim to suicide.

“As a state, we must do more to break the stigma surrounding this issue and ensure we are providing the physical and mental health support our veterans deserve,” Senator Gallivan said. “This legislation will foster greater cooperation among federal, state, and local agencies and establish a data-driven suicide prevention effort for veterans across New York.”

Research indicates veterans continue to be at the greatest risk of committing suicide among the U.S. population with more than 6,300 reported nationally in 2023. Among the veteran population, those between the ages of 18 and 34 are taking their lives at a higher rate than older veterans.    

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