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Dole Cosponsors Bill to Improve Mental Health Care Access for Military Personnel

Press Release

Date: May 7, 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Military Personnel Health and Health Care


DOLE COSPONSORS BILL TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole has joined 10 of her colleagues in cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to expand access to mental health care for active duty, guard and reserve personnel.

"Our brave men and women in uniform and their families sacrifice so much to protect our country's security and freedom," said Dole. "It must be a priority to care for service members who suffer from the psychological traumas of war and help them lead healthy, productive lives."

The Honoring Our Nation's Obligations to Returning Warriors (HONOR) Act will:

· provide active duty, guard and reserve personnel with access to the VA's Vet Centers for mental health care;

· create a scholarship program to enhance the recruitment and training of behavioral health care specialists from within the service member ranks; and

· extend benefits for the families of service members who commit suicide after struggling with combat-related mental health conditions.

Background

Vet Centers provide mental health and readjustment counseling to veterans, and are not usually available for use by active duty service members or their families. National Guard and reserve members are sometimes ineligible for the services provided at Vet Centers. The HONOR Act would make it easier for all military personnel to access Vet Center counseling services.


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