Mackenzie Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Early Intervention and Prevent Veteran Suicide

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, alongside Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), today introduced the Data-Driven Suicide Prevention and Outreach Act - legislation aimed at helping identify at-risk veterans and connect them with care before a crisis occurs.

The legislation directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot grant program through 2029 to support the development of new tools that can better identify risk factors associated with veteran suicide. The bill includes clear guardrails to ensure tools are developed responsibly, protect veterans' privacy, are clinically useful, and meet VA standards.

Veteran suicide remains one of the most urgent challenges facing the country. More than half of veterans who die by suicide were not engaged with VA health care in the years leading up to their death-highlighting the need for better outreach and earlier identification of risk.

"This is about making sure we're connecting veterans with care earlier," said Congressman Mackenzie. "Right now, too many warning signs are missed, and too many veterans aren't connected to care until it's already a crisis. This bill takes a commonsense approach, giving providers better tools to identify risk earlier, support existing work, and help ensure more veterans get the support they need and deserve."

"Far too many of our veterans are suffering in silence. Too often, by the time the signs become visible, we've already lost them. That's unacceptable," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). "This bipartisan, commonsense bill is about using smart, data-driven tools to identify risk earlier, reach veterans where they are, and get them the care they've earned before a crisis hits. We have a responsibility to get our veterans' backs. That means being proactive, not reactive, when it comes to their mental health."

The legislation has received support from leading veterans organizations, including Disabled American Veterans, the Secure Families Initiative, and Wounded Warrior Project.

"As a military spouse, I know this isn't just about data-it's about trust, dignity, and saving lives. Information isn't just numbers; it can mean the difference between isolation and intervention for families like mine who serve alongside our service members. We are not on the sidelines-we are part of the support system, and access to this information is essential to the well-being of those we love. When information is accessible, accountability strengthens and outcomes improve," said Brandi Jones, M.Ed, Organizing Director of the Secure Families Initiative.

In the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, the need for action is especially clear. Carbon County is home to a large veteran population, with veterans making up over 8% of the county's population. The county also has one of the highest rates of veteran suicide in Pennsylvania.

Congressman Mackenzie has consistently worked to support veterans and improve access to care, including efforts to streamline VA scheduling systems and strengthen coordination of services.

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