Important Update: Thank you for your patience! I've updated the petition to support both HR 4837 (House) and S.3314 (Senate)—the companion bills working together to require written informed consent for veterans. Below is a revised sample email that references both pieces of legislation.
Take action today! Use this template to contact your U.S. Representative and Senators. Find your members of Congress here.
Personalize the message with your own story or connection to this issue—personal emails have more impact!
#HR4837 #S3314 #Veterans #SuicidePrevention #InformedConsent #ContactCongress 🎖️
Sample Email Message
Subject: Constituent Support for HR 4837 & S.3314 - Written Informed Consent Act for Veterans
Dear [Senator/Representative],
I am writing as your constituent to urge your support for HR 4837 (House) and S.3314 (Senate), the Written Informed Consent Act, or similar legislation and regulatory reforms to strengthen informed consent requirements for psychiatric medications prescribed to veterans and all patients.
The Need is Clear: Since 2001, over 155,000 veterans have died by suicide, with rates among young veterans (18-34) more than doubling. VA Inspector General investigations consistently find that 27-30% of veteran medical records show no evidence that prescribers discussed medication risks—including FDA black box warnings for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Young veterans like Hunter Whitley (23) and Connor Brumfield (22) died by suicide shortly after being prescribed antidepressants, never having been warned about these critical risks.
Addressing Opposition: While some healthcare organizations claim this bill creates "barriers to care," the reality is that 17+ major veteran service organizations—including the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and TAPS—strongly support this legislation because they've seen firsthand how lack of informed consent contributes to veteran deaths. Written consent for psychiatric medications would simply extend the existing VA policy for opioids established in 2014. If informed consent doesn't impede opioid prescribing, it won't impede psychiatric care either. True patient-centered care cannot exist without genuine informed consent.
Veterans deserve to know what they're taking, including serious risks like suicidal ideation, severe withdrawal symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and cardiac issues. This is not about stigma—it's about transparency, safety, and respecting veterans' autonomy.
[Optional - Add Your Personal Connection Here]
This legislation could save 600 veteran lives annually—a 25% reduction in VA suicides. I respectfully urge you to:
- Support HR 4837 in the House, or
- Support S.3314 in the Senate, or
- Champion similar reforms to ensure all patients receive true informed consent before starting psychiatric medications.
Thank you for your consideration and your continued service to our nation and its veterans.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City, State]
[Optional: Phone Number or Email]