Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) today joined a bipartisan press conference at the New York State Capitol focused on veteran mental health and suicide prevention, underscoring the urgent need for continued action, resources and coordination to address a crisis affecting veterans and families across New York.

The press conference brought together state and local elected officials and veteran advocates to highlight troubling trends in veteran suicide, the importance of early intervention and access to care and the role the state Legislature must play in strengthening support systems for those who served.

“Veteran suicide is not an abstract issue; it is a real and ongoing crisis impacting families and communities in every corner of our state,” said DeStefano. “While awareness has increased, the data shows that awareness alone is not enough. We need real investments in mental health services, peer support and community-based programs that reach veterans before a crisis turns deadly.”

Speakers emphasized that veterans continue to die by suicide at significantly higher rates than the general population, with younger veterans facing particularly elevated risk.

DeStefano reiterated his commitment to supporting bipartisan legislation that expands mental health resources for veterans, strengthens peer support networks and ensures veterans’ service organizations have the facilities and infrastructure needed to provide care.

“We owe our veterans more than gratitude; we owe them action,” DeStefano said. “That means ensuring mental health services are accessible, stigma-free and adequately funded, so no veteran feels isolated or forgotten when they need help most.”