In July, New Orleans hosted the 43rd National Veteran Wheelchair Games organized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. As I participated in the games’ ceremonies, I saw the magic of rehabilitation coupled with faith for our wounded veterans. But it’s not just physical scars our veterans need help healing from. The more than 200,000 veterans in Louisiana are no exception. While in the service, they had the support of their brothers and sisters, and now in civilian life, it’s our job as a nation to fill that gap.

Veterans between the ages of 18 and 34 have the highest rates of suicide among former servicemembers. Additionally, report after report from the VA shows veterans, including those who served in Afghanistan, do not readily use VA services aimed at preventing suicide. As a doctor, my focus is always on saving lives. As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, ensuring that veterans know about and have access to mental health resources and suicide prevention is among my top priorities.

Under President Trump, the VA launched the Solid Start program to reach out to every veteran three times within their first year of military retirement to check in and help connect them to VA programs and benefits. A program such as this was too valuable for our veterans to let anything happen to it. This is why we passed my Solid Start Act to make the program permanent. When it was signed into law in 2022, America took a critical step in ensuring no veteran slips through the cracks. A recent report showed, the Solid Start program successfully connected with nearly three out of every four veterans they reached out to, including having an 83.1% connection success rate with priority veterans. Outside of the resources offered through the VA, it is also important for our veterans to know there are other avenues available to benefit their mental health. My “Vets Get Outside Day” resolution supports veterans struggling with mental health challenges by encouraging them to get outside and explore treatments available through various non-profits that specialize in nature therapies.

As a doctor, I know that physical and mental health go hand in hand. This is why I supported the PACT Act, which expands VA health care and benefits for veterans who fought in the War on Terror, other recent wars, or were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Since it was signed into law in 2022, more than 5.4 million veterans have received free screening for toxic exposures. As I travel the state meeting with different veteran groups, I hear about the positive impact that the PACT Act is having on helping so many access the health care they rightfully deserve.

We owe it to the men and women who fought for our freedoms around the world to provide them with the best health care possible at home. By continuing to work at the federal level to deliver this support, we have an opportunity to help our veterans thrive in their post-military lives. Thosewho have worn the uniform with honor are the best of the United States and deserve the best in return.

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U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy is a Louisiana Republican.