government
Executive order increases mental health access for veterans
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Sept. 17, 2012
President Obama has ordered federal agencies to improve mental health programs for military veterans.
The Aug. 31 executive order directs the Dept. of Veterans Affairs to increase access to suicide prevention, substance abuse and other mental health services. The order includes provisions such as a mandate that any veteran seeking help must be connected with a mental health professional within 24 hours.
Obama discussed the executive order during an Aug. 31 rally in Fort Bliss, Texas. He met with military families and discussed issues soldiers have faced after returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Studies have estimated, for instance, that 20% to 30% of returning veterans have posttraumatic stress disorder.
“We’re going to increase the number of folks manning those crisis hotlines so help is there when you need it most,” Obama said. “We’re going to add even more counselors and mental health providers.”
The White House assigned a task force to study mental health problems among veterans and determine best practices. Future physicians also are learning about posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, as a group of 135 medical schools has committed to researching and understanding PTSD and TBI.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/09/17/gvbf0917.htm.
