All of the all of the dialogue here, and i think that whatever we have to know some facts first about how such a system would work and then where can you get those facts from . What . Where can you get those facts from . Well, first of all, for the care thats given, and by the way, pc3, if 80 of the veterans used the pc3 network of providers, it would solve a lot of your problem. But they dont. Very minute number currently use it for a lot of reasons. In any case you think thats the answer . That could be one of the answers here . Well, its one of the answers, certainly it is. It is. But for every other form of care, then have you this issue of whats f. A. R. Based and whether were doing this illegally or not. But the remedy has to be, once you know the answer to the question and get some clarity, not only on the accessible care issue, but also the cost, because i think that the impact on the Acquisition Workforce in va would be be potentially quite a bit more in terms of having to hir
[inaudible conversations] committee will come to order. Good morning, everybody. Thank you for being with the committee for todays oversight hearing entitled combating the crisis evaluating efforts to prevent veteran suicide. As the hearing title suggests, we are here this morning to discuss the ongoing veteran suicide crisis that, according to the latest Data Available from the department of Veterans Affairs, finds 22 veterans a day dying at their own hands. Im disappointed that the v. A. Was not able to release updated veteran suicide statistics at this time for this hearing. I understand that the center for Disease Control finally provided National Data to v. A. In the middle of march. Considering the critical interest in updated veteran suicide data, i cant emphasize enough the need for v. A. To pursue their analysis with a sense of urgency. Its my fervent hope that the new data will show a reduction in the rate of veteran suicides as a result of the investments we have made in v.
[inaudible conversations] committee will come to order. Good morning, everybody. Thank you for being with the committee for todays oversight hearing entitled combating the crisis evaluating efforts to prevent veteran suicide. As the hearing title suggests, we are here this morning to discuss the ongoing veteran suicide crisis that, according to the latest Data Available from the department of Veterans Affairs, finds 22 veterans a day dying at their own hands. Im disappointed that the v. A. Was not able to release updated veteran suicide statistics at this time for this hearing. I understand that the center for Disease Control finally provided National Data to v. A. In the middle of march. Considering the critical interest in updated veteran suicide data, i cant emphasize enough the need for v. A. To pursue their analysis with a sense of urgency. Its my fervent hope that the new data will show a reduction in the rate of veteran suicides as a result of the investments we have made in v.
This issue for about eight years. The conversations are moving to action. So today id like to focus on four specific areas. As supporting those most at risk and the importance of research. In iavas annual member survey, over 80 of they continue to mismgs the role of the family and friends with over many 5 . Ened as a result getting that help. For those in care, three of four of our members are yew the v. A. Which is up so , and comparable with those yew the with more help seekers, its critical to ensure that the proper is resourced. Its a Different Task of hiring and retaining talent. The hire process is confusing and lengthy, at times deterring or rejecting qualified we need to know how best and to use updated where the need is. Climate surveying, v. A. Is using staff. We obvious who support v. A. Says missions, some of who is are members. Our members have shared stories relaying how they individual saved their lives. Finally need to ensure that high quality care, just under 40 actual
Cleaned our air and water, past the security and medicare passed Social Security and medicare. None of these changes happen overnight. It was not because a charismatic leader got everybody to agree on everything. It did not happen because of a massive political revolution. Actually happened over the course of years, of advocacy, and organizing. And alliance building. And dealmaking. And the changing of public opinion. It happened because ordinary americans who cared participated in the political process. [applause] so [applause] thats nice, i helped. [laughter] look, if you want to change this country for the better, you better start participating. I will give you an example on a lot of peoples minds, the growing inequality in our economy. Over much of the last century, we have unleashed the strongest economic engine the world has ever seen, but over the past two decades our economy has become more and more unequal. The top 10 of earners taken half of all income in the u. S. Ceo made 2