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Arkansas lawmakers hear experts on veteran suicide, consider task force and local outreach
Summary
A joint legislative hearing examined veteran suicide in Arkansas, with state veterans affairs, the Arkansas Veterans Coalition, the National Guard and UAMS urging a public-health, community-based approach, more consistent county veteran service officers and a task force to coordinate federal, state and local resources.
A joint Senate committee on state agencies and government affairs heard testimony on veteran suicide in Arkansas, where presenters described rising reported suicide rates and gaps in county-level services.
Senator Jason Garner (Senator Garner), who opened the meeting and described his Special Forces background, said the hearing was intended as a "table-setting" conversation and cited the frequently referenced figure that "22 veterans commit suicide every single day in the country." He urged local outreach to inform legislative solutions.
Gina Chandler, assistant director for veteran services with the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, said ADVA oversees veterans homes, two state cemeteries and the Veterans Services Division that trains and…
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