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As of this week, all U.S. military branches are officially on the record as implementing the Brandon Act to include access to mental health evaluations, counseling, and treatment without permission from superior officers or fear of retaliation, according to a news release.
This month is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time set aside to highlight the importance of learning more about mental health. Also, to have open and honest conversations in homes, churches, organizations, and communities, including the military, about how to help people experiencing a crisis before it is too late.
The Brandon Act is named after Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who tragically lost his life to suicide in 2018 after suffering chronic bullying. He was hazed, retaliated against, and denied access by his command to mental health services.
Teri Caserta, president of the Brandon Caserta Foundation, said that going into September, everyone lost to suicide must be remembered and honored.
"We must respect that we have been in a dark place at some point," she said. "Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Speak up! Don't suffer in silence! It's time to #DoBrandonProudLiveOutLoud!"
Be there for one another, she added.
"If you notice someone happy one day and sad, angry, not wanting to do anything, or wanting to be alone the next day, you need to talk to them, really listen to them, and ask them the hard questions. Don't be afraid that you will put something in their mind. We all must live by Brandon's code words: honor, respect, patience, and kindness. Let's start making September the month to change our actions when asking for and getting help. Together, we can make our Armed Forces stronger physically and mentally. Mental health is just as, if not more important, than physical health."
Patrick Caserta, co-author of the Brandon Act, said this achievement is the most excellent start to National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in the history of the U.S. military forces.
"The Army implemented the Brandon Act, which will save lives and reintroduce all of the great programs the Armed Forces have for all service members to use when they need them as they need them. This law empowers them to pick the program that is best for them to get healed and stay healthy all the time," he said.
"Brandon's story saves lives, and so will the Brandon Act. His legacy is saving lives, and that will now be forever. All services have officially put the Brandon Act policy out to all service members. Our nation's military is the best and will continue to overcome everything that can interfere with a service member's health and well-being. The Brandon Act is priceless, and how our Congress and the military have all come together to make this happen is how this country was built. We, the people working and standing by our military, made it a better place to serve."
