Dear John,

In case you missed it, veterans experiencing an acute suicidal crisis can now receive no-cost emergency mental health care at VA or non-VA healthcare facilities. This new benefit is the result of my Veterans’ COMPACT Act, which was signed into law in December of 2020. 
 
This new benefit removes cost from the equation when veterans are at imminent risk of self-harm and allows them to access lifesaving care when they need it most, regardless of whether the veteran has ever enrolled in or used VA healthcare benefits. VA's launch of the program I championed marks a major step forward in the fight to reduce veteran suicide, but there is more work to do.  
 
As we embark on a new year and a new Congress, I will continue to prioritize meaningful solutions to help save veterans’ lives. 
Sincerely,



Mark Takano
Member of Congress