River Bend Times

The House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 1969, known as the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act. This bipartisan legislation was introduced by Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks from Iowa's 1st District. The bill aims to expand and enhance the Department of Veterans Affairs’ suicide prevention grant program.

Congresswoman Miller-Meeks, who is a 24-year Army veteran and physician, expressed her commitment to veterans in crisis. She stated, “As a 24-year Army veteran and physician, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for veterans in crisis to navigate a complicated system when every second counts.” She emphasized that the act ensures veterans are never turned away or left without help by streamlining access and strengthening coordination.

VA Committee Chairman Mike Bost highlighted the success of the Fox Grant program created in 2020. He praised Dr. Miller-Meeks' efforts on the new bill, saying, “I want to thank my friend and our Health subcommittee Chairwoman Dr. Miller-Meeks for her work on the No Wrong Doors for Veterans Act to continue this lifesaving suicide prevention program." He added that the bill also includes provisions allowing disabled veterans to receive prosthetics through VA for sports and recreational activities.

The legislation reauthorizes the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program through 2026. It introduces improvements such as requiring local VA coordination, modernizing screening protocols, expanding access to emergent care, and ensuring grantee accountability.

The background of this initiative is rooted in helping community-based organizations deliver critical mental health services to veterans. The act aims to close communication gaps between grantees and VA medical centers while setting clearer eligibility standards.

Furthermore, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks secured provisions from her Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (SPORT) Act within this legislation. This inclusion ensures that veterans have access to adaptive prostheses for sports activities, promoting both physical and mental well-being.