CANANDAIGUA — State Sen. Pam Helming announced that a long-delayed reporting requirement aimed at improving veteran suicide prevention efforts in New York has now been implemented statewide.
Helming said the Department of Health has finalized and begun distributing a reporting form required under a 2021 law designed to improve tracking of veteran deaths by suicide. The legislation, which Helming sponsored in 2019, requires coroners and medical examiners to report suspected veteran suicides to the State Division of Veterans’ Services so the agency can analyze trends and publish data to guide prevention strategies.
Although the law was signed five years ago, the required reporting form had never been created or distributed, preventing consistent reporting by counties and limiting the state’s ability to compile accurate data. Helming called the delay unacceptable, arguing that accurate and timely reporting is critical to identifying warning signs and regional trends.
Helming said she pressed the issue after it was raised by the Finger Lakes Veterans Advocacy Council, sending letters to the governor and meeting with administration officials to push for implementation. She credited the council, along with Livingston County Veterans Service Director David Terry and leaders from the state association of coroners and medical examiners, for helping move the effort forward.
Veteran advocates said the new reporting form will strengthen coordination among state agencies, county veterans service offices and community groups working on suicide prevention, including local VA services such as the Canandaigua VA.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 17 veterans die by suicide each day nationwide. Helming said the new reporting system is intended to ensure the state has the data needed to respond more effectively and connect veterans with support services sooner.
Veterans or family members in crisis can contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) or by texting 838255.
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