Udall: Suicide Prevention Hotline & PTSD/TBI Training Important for Vets

Press Release

UDALL: SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE & PTSD/TBI TRAINING IMPORTANT FOR VETS

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is now operating a national suicide prevention hotline for veterans, U.S. Representative Tom Udall, D-N.M., said today. The hotline (1-800-273-8255) will be staffed 24-hours-a-day by trained mental health professionals.

"Sometimes our veterans find themselves feeling as though they have no options left to deal with their pain and anguish. This hotline provides an additional resource for coping with the stress resulting from combat and war," said Udall. "Our armed forces work in some of the most traumatic situations and conditions anyone can imagine, and they deserve the support this hotline offers."

Studies show that 12-20 percent of returning Iraq veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many of those afflicted with PTSD may also experience other mental and physical health issues, such as depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and thoughts of suicide. Early assistance and counseling for PTSD can prevent it from becoming chronic.

Last month it was announced by the U.S. Department of the Army that it was implementing a "chain teaching" program to educate soldiers about PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The "chain teaching" model transmits knowledge down the chain of command, with commanders educating their subordinates until individual soldiers are taught by their platoon leaders. The Army hopes to use the method to reduce the stigma attached to mental conditions like PTSD and TBI and expects to complete training by October 2007.

Udall said, "I applaud the action taken by the U.S. Army to educate our men and women in uniform about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The rapid ‘chain teaching' program will hopefully provide the best information possible to the greatest number of individuals in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

"Throughout the country we have seen the effects of PTSD and TBI on America's soldiers and their families. The Army's effort to provide new information and opportunities to soldiers to deal with these conditions is a significant step forward. We must take care of the men and women who take care of us, and we should encourage them to seek out help so they will receive proper care when they need it," Udall concluded.

For eight years, Udall served as a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, fighting for the 180,000 veterans of New Mexico. In addition to providing oversight of the VA to ensure full benefits and programs are in place to assist returning veterans, in 2005 Udall led the successful fight in committee to protect more than 72,000 veterans whose PTSD health benefits and assistance was being threatened.

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