Military Suicide Prevention Act Implemented by Armed Forces

WANE

The U.S. Armed Forces have implemented a new law that aims to prevent suicide among military service members. The Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act requires all service members to undergo an annual mental health assessment. It was named after National Guardsman Jacob Sexton, who died by suicide in 2009, and seeks to ensure that the mental and physical health of service members are treated equitably and that help-seeking is encouraged. “The goal is to better identify those who are struggling with mental health challenges, and to ensure that they can receive the help they need before it’s too late,” said Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly, who wrote the bill. “In addition, the Sexton Act maintains strong privacy protections for service members.”

Spark Extra! Learn more about suicide prevention among military service members.