LINCOLN, NE – Twenty-one-year Air Force veteran Lou McCollor is calling for stronger measures in a new bill aimed at addressing veteran suicides in Nebraska.
“We have 22 suicides a day from veterans,” McCollor said. “That’s unacceptable.”
He pointed to PTSD, isolation, and poor-quality health care as key factors contributing to the crisis.
Proposed Bill LB414
State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln has introduced LB414, which would establish a suicide mortality review team under the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA).
The team would:
- Investigate veteran suicides in the state annually
- Report findings to the legislature and DHHS
- Recommend preventative measures
“This information can be gathered and presented in a way that helps us understand the true impact of suicidality in Nebraska,” Dungan said.
The NDVA supports the bill, saying it would help fill data gaps and better identify warning signs.
Veterans Want More Action
While McCollor supports the bill, he believes more proactive steps are needed.
“The after-effects of death won’t give us real insight,” he said. “We need to hear from veterans while they’re still alive.”
He suggests distributing anonymous surveys where veterans can share their struggles without revealing their identity.
LB414 received no opposition during its committee hearing on Thursday. Before reaching a full vote, it must clear the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee.
