Many of our returning Veterans are in a crisis - a mental health crisis. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression and anxiety are just a few examples of the needs that require urgent attention. Some of those especially affected are ones who have been on 2, 3 or even 4 tours. As much as the VA is adjusting and trying to help these Veterans, they have been overcome.
There are two pieces of legislation being considered in Congress related to Behavioral Health Services for Returning Veterans. They are provisions S 38 and HR 2874 in the FY 2008 Mil Con/VA Appropriations bill.
These pieces of Legislation would allow the VA to contract with community mental health centers, especially in rural areas and small towns that the VA has little or no ability to provide mental health services. Some Veterans have to travel long distances to VA hospitals or other facilities to receive care. If there were closer, contracted clinics, many of these Veterans would be able to receive the same or better care closer to home and would be more likely seek that care.
Please take a look at the bills at the following links:
For S 38, go to: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s110-38
For HR 2874, to: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-2874
On July 30, 2007, this bill passed in the House of Representatives by voice vote. The bill now will go to the Senate and then on to the President.
Please, let our Representative know that our Veterans deserve the best of everything that this country has to give. It’s time for us to fight for them after they have fought so hard for us.
There are two pieces of legislation being considered in Congress related to Behavioral Health Services for Returning Veterans. They are provisions S 38 and HR 2874 in the FY 2008 Mil Con/VA Appropriations bill.
These pieces of Legislation would allow the VA to contract with community mental health centers, especially in rural areas and small towns that the VA has little or no ability to provide mental health services. Some Veterans have to travel long distances to VA hospitals or other facilities to receive care. If there were closer, contracted clinics, many of these Veterans would be able to receive the same or better care closer to home and would be more likely seek that care.
Please take a look at the bills at the following links:
For S 38, go to: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s110-38
For HR 2874, to: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-2874
On July 30, 2007, this bill passed in the House of Representatives by voice vote. The bill now will go to the Senate and then on to the President.
Please, let our Representative know that our Veterans deserve the best of everything that this country has to give. It’s time for us to fight for them after they have fought so hard for us.
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