Soldiers can now directly ask their supervisor or commander for a referral for a mental health evaluation, according to an Army press release. Commanders and supervisors are required to then set up an appointment by the end of the next day.

“I call on leaders to continue making it clear that taking care of your mental health and your family is encouraged,” Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said. “We must constantly look for additional ways to connect our soldiers with the necessary resources for their well-being.”

The change is the congressionally mandated Brandon Act, named after Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in 2018, and applies across the services.

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said this week that about 25 out of 100,000 service members die by suicide each year, compared to the national rate of 15 per 100,000, Air Force Times reported, noting that the Air Force is also looking at ways to expand mental health treatment.

Army photo by Spc. Daniel Thompson