A bill that would allow the state Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs to receive funds from public and private sector donors for veteran suicide prevention efforts cleared the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee with unanimous support on Thursday.
“The fact that suicides among veterans outpace those of non-veterans remains an alarming trend that demands concerted state action,” Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis (R-New Providence), the bill’s lead sponsor, said. “The state needs to prioritize the message that there is help for veterans who are struggling with their mental health.”
The bipartisan bill (A5307), introduced by Matsikoudis and Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker (D-Newark), would place donations in a special, non-expiring fund managed by the state Treasury Department. That money would pay for targeted public service announcements—brochures, veterans guides, and social media posts—focused around veteran suicide prevention.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported 370 veteran suicides between 2014 and 2018 in New Jersey. That rate was nearly seven points higher than New Jersey’s non-veteran suicide rate. Overall, the 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention annual report noted 41,484 American adults died from suicide in 2022, including 6,407 veterans in the U.S. and 56 in New Jersey.
“Veterans have often faced situations during their service that civilians cannot even imagine, and upon their return, too many attempt to go it alone when coping with isolation and hopelessness,” Matsikoudis said. “It’s simply common sense: our state needs to cut the red tape to allow these donations to come in, opening up funding sources to ensure that every dollar available is used to spread awareness of the support services that are out there. It’s the least we can do for those who have bravely served our nation in uniform.”
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Assemblyman Nicholas Chiaravalloti recently introduced the Matsikoudis Bill, which aims to increase funding options for veteran suicide prevention in New Jersey. The bill is named after Army veteran and former Jersey City Corporation Counsel Bill Matsikoudis, who tragically took his own life in 2020.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an average of 20 veterans die by suicide each day in the United States. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for increased resources and support for veterans struggling with mental health issues.
The Matsikoudis Bill proposes to establish a voluntary contribution fund that would allow New Jersey residents to donate a portion of their income tax refunds to support veteran suicide prevention efforts. The funds raised would be used to provide mental health services, counseling, and support programs for veterans in need.
Assemblyman Chiaravalloti emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health challenges faced by veterans, stating that “we owe it to our brave men and women who have served our country to ensure they have access to the resources and support they need to overcome mental health issues and prevent suicide.”
The Matsikoudis Bill has received bipartisan support in the New Jersey Legislature, with lawmakers recognizing the critical need to prioritize mental health services for veterans. By increasing funding options for veteran suicide prevention, the bill aims to make a meaningful impact in reducing the number of veteran suicides in the state.
In conclusion, the Matsikoudis Bill represents a crucial step towards providing essential support and resources for veterans struggling with mental health issues. By raising awareness and increasing funding for suicide prevention efforts, New Jersey can better serve those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
