Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) are encouraging veterans to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ first annual National Buddy Check Week, which started Monday and goes through October 20th. The VA is organizing outreach events to educate veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks and connect with other servicemembers in their community.
Senators Ernst and Hassan passed the bill into law last year which instituted an annual VA program to support veterans’ mental health, which is modeled after the American Legion’s “Buddy Check National Week of Calling” to connect veterans to other veterans to better ensure that they receive the support they need.
“As a combat veteran, I know the transition from service to civilian life can be filled with mental health challenges. I was proud to work alongside Senator Hassan to pass this bipartisan legislation which will provide veterans with the tools to support those closest to them. This week, I urge our veterans to connect or reconnect with their veteran friends – just to check in. It’s a simple measure that goes a long way to support the health and safety of those who have bravely served our nation.” Senator Joni Ernst
All of the resources that participants need can be found on VA’s National Buddy Check Week website, including the Buddy Check Week Pledge, a tool to help find buddies, and peer wellness training.
