Veterans’ 2026 Priorities: Healthcare, Housing, and Suicide Prevention

Veterans’ advocates are urging Congress to prioritize four interconnected issues in 2026: healthcare access, support for service-connected disabilities, suicide prevention, and housing stability. These priorities reflect the real challenges facing our nation’s veterans and their families.

Healthcare Access Remains Critical

Mission Roll Call, a nonprofit that surveys veterans directly, emphasizes that healthcare access—including timely specialty care and services for rural veterans—is the foundation of veteran wellbeing. Delayed treatment can lead to downstream problems like isolation, job loss, and even suicidal ideation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs reported 6,407 veteran suicides in 2022, averaging 17.6 per day. Some estimates suggest the actual toll may be significantly higher, making mental health support more urgent than ever.

What Veterans Need Most

• Timely access to specialty care and mental health services
• Support for rural veterans who live far from VA facilities
• Continued funding for suicide prevention programs
• Housing assistance to prevent veteran homelessness

How You Can Help

Organizations like For All Who Gave All work to fill the gaps in veteran services. Your donations help provide emergency assistance, connect veterans with resources, and support families during difficult transitions.

“When we invest in our veterans’ health and housing, we invest in stronger families and communities.”

If you or a veteran you know needs immediate support, contact the Veterans Crisis Line: call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.