Congressman Patronis Introduces “Never Fight Alone Act” to Tackle Veterans’ Mental Health Crisis
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) introduced the Never Fight Alone Act to improve access to urgent mental health care for veterans to ensure no veteran is left waiting when it matters most.
Original cosponsors include Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL), and Rep. Don Davis (D-NC).
“Northwest Florida is home to one of the largest veteran and military communities in the country,” said Congressman Patronis. “Heroes that answered the call to serve our nation and protect our freedoms shouldn’t come home to red tape from the very country they risked everything to defend.” Congressman Patronis continued, “President Trump and Secretary Collins have made historic strides in reforming the VA, and this legislation builds on those efforts. Our heroes deserve care that is fast, local, and trusted, and I’m proud to file legislation that ensures no veteran is ever left to fight alone.”
Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna said, “I am proud to co-sponsor this critical legislation led by Congressman Patronis to ensure veterans facing mental health and substance abuse challenges are treated with the urgency and dignity their service demands. As a veteran myself, I understand that access to these kinds of crucial treatment programs should never be lost in bureaucratic delay when qualified care is available in our own communities. If the system built to serve our veterans cannot meet their needs in time, it should not also stand in the way of their ability to choose the care they deserve. Removing those barriers is part of our duty to stand with those who stood for us.”
Congressman Daniel Webster said, “Too often, veterans struggling with mental health or substance-use challenges are forced to wait for care they urgently need. We owe our veterans a debt we can never repay, but this legislation takes an important step to putting veterans first by strengthening accountability and removing bureaucratic red tape to ensure they receive timely access to quality treatment – whether through the VA or a qualified community provider of their choice.”
The Never Fight Alone Act would:
- Ensure veterans can access urgent mental health care through community providers.
- Protect veterans’ right to choose their doctor and reduce approval delays.
- Require congressional approval for any changes to community care access.
The announcement comes ahead of the Congressman’s veteran telephone town hall on May 12th at 6:30 PM CST, where he will hear directly from veterans and families across Northwest Florida.
For information on how to join the Congressman’s veterans town hall, click here.
To view the Never Fight Alone Act, click here.
For assistance with veterans’ services, or any federal agency, constituents can contact Congressman Patronis’ Northwest Florida offices or visit jimmyhelpsva.com for helpful resources.
Pensacola Office: (850) 462-6070
Crestview Office: (850) 603-6690