Sen. Bill Nelson has sent a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs asking for an investigation into reported problems with the veterans suicide hotline.
"Every day, 22 U.S. veterans commit suicide - that’s inexcusable,” Nelson wrote. “And that’s why it’s necessary that we have an adequate VA support system so that they’ve got someplace to turn to.
Some veterans have reported being put on hold for a long time or not reaching anyone at all. It's the latest controversy involving VA care, and Nelson, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is asking for answers from VA Secretary Robert McDonald.
"These are the brave men and women who have returned home from protecting our country," he wrote. "So I’ve asked the secretary of the VA for a full investigation of the department’s mental health hotline. Don’t tell me that veterans call, as I’ve heard, and they can’t get an answer - or are put on hold and they’re desperate, about to commit suicide. I want to know why. And I want to know what’s being done, not only to fix this immediately but make sure it never happens again.”
Veterans with suicidal thoughts are given an 800 number when they call into their local VA center. Nelson said an Air Force vet who was connected to the crisis line through the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa waited several minutes, and when he did get someone on the line, she didn't do much to help him.
The VA says it takes in around 1,000 calls a day to its crisis line and it only employs 50 people to take those calls. The agency has requested more money to add staff , as well as technology, to fix the problem.