The US Senate has approved a bipartisan bill cosponsored by Senator Susan Collins that would improve the care and treatment of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and chronic pain. The legislation, the “Veterans Mental Health Improvements Act of 2008,” would also extend mental health resources to the family members of veterans and to low-income veterans and those living in rural communities. The legislation was authored by Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and cosponsored by a bipartisan group of 11 Senators, including Senator Collins.
“Our veterans deserve access to the best health care we can provide them. There are far too many veterans, however, suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues who don’t have access to adequate treatment. This bipartisan legislation is a positive step toward improving the quality and access of crucial health care to veterans and their families,” said Senator Collins. She commended Senator Akaka for his work on this important legislation.
Specifically, the bill would establish at least six national centers of excellence to help provide for the care and treatment of veterans suffering from PTSD and substance abuse disorders. It would also extend mental health resources to family members and it would provide additional assistance to low-income veterans and those living in rural communities. In addition, it would require the Veterans Administration (VA) to conduct a full review evaluating the mental health services available to veterans.
Finally, the bill would implement a three-year pilot program that would provide National Guard or Reserve members who served in Operations Iraqi or Enduring Freedom and suffer from mental illness with peer outreach, peer support, and other counseling and mental health services.