Congressman Joe Morelle Announces Introduction of Legislation to Prevent Military Suicide, Strengthen Mental Health Services for Service Members

Press Release

Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced the introduction of The Brandon Act to assist service members in crisis and prevent military suicide. Rep. Morelle is a co-sponsor of the legislation.

"Suicide claims the lives of over 7,000 active-duty service members and veterans every single year -- or 22 every day," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "This is a crisis that is tearing apart families across America, and we must do more to stop it. I'm proud to co-sponsor the Brandon Act and take action to ensure the courageous men and women who serve our nation have the essential mental health resources they need and deserve."

The Brandon Act will allow servicemembers to safely seek mental health counseling without notifying their command or opening an official investigation, making these services more accessible and preventing stigma. It is named for 21-year-old Brandon Caserta, whose death was one of 68 Navy suicides in 2018. His family and fellow sailors attribute this to a toxic leadership environment that left him no recourse for assistance.

"In the military we have two priorities. First is mission success, and second is troop welfare," said Marine Corps vet and Director of the Monroe County Veterans Services Agency, Nick Stefanovic. "This legislation co-sponsored by Congressman Morelle will support both of those priorities. It is critical to mission success that our service members be mentally prepared for combat and if they need assistance in that regard, and we do not accommodate them, we are reducing combat effectiveness. It is also the responsibility of our military command structure to cultivate good physical and mental health by responding to injuries of either nature. Thank you to Congressman Morelle for assuring that our military service-members are immediately cared for upon their request."

"Once again, Congressman Morelle demonstrates his commitment to veterans and the critical issues our service members are facing," said Laura Stradley, Executive Director of the Veterans Outreach Center. "We appreciate his leadership in Congress to advocate for those who, for too long, have not had a voice to advocate for themselves. Mental health challenges are unfortunately all-too common in the Armed Forces, for all of the obvious reasons--there's combat trauma, military sexual trauma, a rigid organizational structure with demanding performance measures, family separations and hardships, and a culture that opposes weakness. But somehow, we HAVE to find a way to support individuals who may be coping with mental health issues while still maintaining mission readiness. The Congressman's willingness to get out in front of this issue comes as no surprise, and on behalf of all of us at the Veterans Outreach Center, we are grateful for his partnership."

"We know not all wounds are visible," said Dave Lippa, Founder of Stop the 22 a Day. "Servicemembers need the ability to seek mental health services without consequences. Early intervention can stop these tragedies."

"Eliminating barriers to mental health is key to preventing military suicide and saving lives," continued Rep. Morelle. "Stigma should not hold anyone back from accessing the support they need, and it is my hope that the Brandon Act will help facilitate a safe environment for service members to do so. I will continue to support and advance legislation that seeks to uplift America's veterans and help them succeed."

If you are a veteran in crisis or have concerns about a loved one in the military, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, text 838255, or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net.

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