http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills info@washingtonwatch.com http://www.pjdoland.com/chai/?v=0.1 http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_2585.html#33651 Re nation-wide shortages in relevant skills and disciplines. (PBS News Hour, May 1, 2008) Implementing PubLaw will require more trained staff. We had such shortages during Viet Nam. The suicide prevention center I served at was almost all 'volunteers.' We got several weeks training and tested (including intensive role-playing) + critiques by psychologist before permitted to work on the 'hotline'. I suggest DOD/VA consider comparable technician/professional-levels staff for future national contingencies. Also, that the 'National Health Service Corps Program' and the National Service 'Retired and Senior Volunteer Program' be linked for training as a committed resource and make them part of the team now. The P.L. or implementing documentation sould mandate interdepartmental coordination and collaboration, and give guidance on support, even an authorizing 'Table of Organization and Equipment (TO&E) or present counterpart.... 33651@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Fri, 02 May 2008 17:10:50 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_2585.html#33193 This happens in the Armed Forces too: Reference: The New York Times article, 4.22.08 'Talking Veterans Down From Despair' by Patricia Cohen at: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/22/us/22suicide.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss The language that mandates the 'hotline' states: '(h) HOTLINE.—In carrying out the comprehensive program, the Secretary may provide for a toll-free hotline for veterans to be staffed by appropriately trained mental health personnel and available at all times.' See: http://scribe1917x.livejournal.com/7089.html... 33193@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:34:39 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_2585.html#32044 I am retired USCS employee (1941-1974) (USAF Log Com), senior civilian in the IG, McLellan AFB CA, base also pipeline for military to/from Viet Nam. One of my IG jobs (complaints officer, Congressionals). I joined the Sacramento suicide prevention service as a volunteer 'hotline' worker and handled calls from active/retired military & their families. Post-retirement I became a 'suicide prevention' advocate, wrote to Members of Congress, the Executive, and the DoD, including SecDef. Eventually, I wrote, and often updated memoirs 'Military-Civilian Teamwork in Suicide Prevention' and posted them (or a link) hoping that initiatives at the Federal level would follow. The last comprehensive update is at: http://scribe1917x.livejournal.com/ I am deeply gratified that the House and Senate are considering the proposed bills on suicide prevention and, almost equally important, de-stigmatizing mental illness. Both are way past due.... 32044@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:31:41 EDT