Veteran mental health and suicide prevention took center stage at a bipartisan press conference at the New York State Capitol, where elected officials and advocates warned that veterans across New York continue to face elevated risks and urgent gaps in care.
Speakers pointed to data showing veterans die by suicide at significantly higher rates than the general population, with younger veterans facing particular vulnerability during the transition to civilian life. They stressed that awareness campaigns, while helpful, must be paired with expanded services, early intervention and consistent funding.
“Veteran suicide is not an abstract issue; it is a real and ongoing crisis impacting families and communities in every corner of our state,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “While awareness has increased, the data shows that awareness alone is not enough. We need real investments in mental health services, peer support and community-based programs that reach veterans before a crisis turns deadly.”
DeStefano said he is committed to bipartisan legislation that strengthens peer support networks, expands access to mental health care and ensures veterans’ service organizations have the facilities and infrastructure needed to meet growing demand.
Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio said stigma and access remain major barriers for veterans seeking help. “Too many veterans are struggling in silence,” Giglio said. “We need to make mental health care easy to access, close to home and free of stigma, so veterans feel supported when they reach out.”
Local leaders echoed the need for coordination across levels of government. Suffolk Legislator Chad Lennon, a Marine Veteran, said counties are often on the front lines of crisis response. “Local government plays a critical role in connecting veterans to services,” Lennon said. “That’s why state and county partnerships are essential to saving lives.”
Advocates highlighted peer-to-peer outreach, crisis intervention and community-based programs as effective tools when adequately supported.
“We owe our veterans more than gratitude; we owe them action,” DeStefano said. “That means making sure no veteran feels isolated or forgotten when they need help most.”