Porfirio continues support for veteran suicide prevention through extending advisory council

SPRINGFIELD - To address the increase in suicide rates among veterans in the United States, State Senator Mike Porfirio has advanced legislation to extend the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Advisory Council.

"We must be consistent in our effort to support suicide prevention efforts for veterans," said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). "This crisis will not solve itself; I will continue to urgently support new treatment solutions for our dedicated service members."

Senate Bill 3926 would continue the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Advisory Council through 2027 and place the council under the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The council, established in 2023, advises the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services on guidelines and infrastructure to support innovative therapies for veteran suicide prevention.

This includes strategies to provide veterans with affordable, safe and accessible care as well as specialized training for therapy administrators. Meetings for the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Council will take place quarterly in calendar year 2026.

Porfirio was appointed chair of the council in 2025, and recently received the National Innovator of the Year Award from the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition for his leadership on veterans' suicide prevention.

Senate Bill 3926 passed the Senate Public Health Committee on Tuesday.