By Hank Russell
Assemblyman Keith Brown (R,C-Northport) joined Assemblyman Steve Stern, Chair of the Veterans Committee (D-Dix Hills) at a press conference in Albany on February 5 to focus on veteran mental health, suicide prevention and the urgent need for sustained state action.
Also in attendance were Assemblyman Brian Manktelow (R-Lyons), ranker of the Veterans Committee, Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), veteran advocate Ron Zaleski, founder of The Long Walk Home and Gavin Walters, Executive Director of the Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families.
Speaking alongside colleagues and advocates, Brown emphasized that addressing the mental health needs of veterans must remain a top priority in New York state and that bipartisan cooperation is essential to saving lives.
“We need to protect those who protect us. Our veterans answered the call to serve our country, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are never left to struggle alone when they come home,” said Brown. “Mental health care, peer support and strong community-based resources are not optional; they are lifesaving. This is an issue that rises above party lines, and today’s bipartisan turnout shows we are united in that mission.”
The press conference highlighted several legislative initiatives aimed at expanding access to care and strengthening support networks for veterans:
- A.2504, which provides $10 million to help veterans’ service organizations construct, repair, and modernize facilities that serve as critical community hubs.
- A.5408, which directs the creation of a statewide mental health mobile application to connect veterans, service members, law enforcement, and first responders with crisis support and treatment resources.
- A.6037-A, which establishes a peer-to-peer support program so veterans can help fellow veterans navigate mental health challenges and access services.
Stern said, “As the Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I have the honor of working with and for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our great nation and for their families, who share their sacrifices and challenges. It is absolutely unacceptable that our veterans face obstacles when seeking help for mental health challenges. We must remove the stigma, provide meaningful and accessible support services, and address the suicide crisis that takes far too many of our veterans’ lives. These initiatives, coupled with securing funding for critical suicide prevention programs like the Joseph P. Dwyer Project, will help ensure that our veterans know help is available and that they are not alone.”
Lennon, a decorated Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and Purple Heart recipient, said, “Per capita we are losing more veterans to suicide today than over a decade ago. It is going to take all levels of government and veteran organizations working together to provide the support needed to end this epidemic.”
Zaleski said, “Bravery is taking responsibility and asking for help, not blaming others. Awareness is not enough; we must take action.”
Assemblyman Daniel Norber (R,C-Great Neck), who served in the Israeli Defense Forces, commented on the legislation. “Veteran suicide is a crisis that demands our full attention and a united response,” he said. … I know firsthand the weight of military service and the lasting impact it can have long after the uniform is taken off.” He also said that providing that support to veterans “must rise above politics.”
Brown concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working with colleagues, advocates and local leaders to advance policies that ensure veterans receive the integrated care, respect and support they have earned.
“If even one life can be saved through awareness, access to integrated care or peer support, then this work matters,” Brown said. “We owe our veterans nothing less.”