Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano’s Statement on Veterans Mental Health Article in USA Today

(Washington D.C.)- On November 2, 2006, USA Today issued an article reaffirming the critical need for mental health services to veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. USA Today exposed a concerning trend of Marines being discharged from duty due to substance-use related activity, which in many cases is a way to cope with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially after 2-3, even 4 deployments.  After their discharge, these veterans are losing access to health services, especially mental health services provided by the VA.  The Marine Corps has begun investigating the matter and have identified 1,019 Marines that may have been discharged for similar reasons. 

“This article reaffirms what returning soldiers are experiencing:  A need for mental health services delivery not only for returning from Afghanistan and Iraq veterans, but thru follow up to help adjust after witnessing horrors of war.  Many media reports tell of soldiers who are not receiving services, falling through the cracks, and later discharged for falling into substance-abuse to cope with PTSD. This is a cry for help. Our service men and women have already paid benefits by their brave service to our country.  Our communities are currently in need of local health and mental health assistance delivery to support the well being of returning soldiers, and their families.” said Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA).

“While the Department of Defense reports that they have made educating and treating soldiers of PTSD a priority, we question the availability of access, as we still hear many are falling through the cracks, whether due to stigma attached in reporting their needs, belief they can handle and control emotion or access issues.  We have spent $319 billion on the war in Iraq while funding for the VA has been diminishing. This administration must prioritize services to our men and women, if we are to attract people into serving our country. 

“It is our duty and responsibility as a nation to provide our returning men and women in uniform adequate healthcare and transition assistance,” concluded Napolitano.  “My colleagues and I will continue to bring and keep this issue at the forefront. Our men and women deserve our fighting for them as they fought for us. 

Responding to mental health concerns for veterans and others, Napolitano revitalized and currently co-chairs the Congressional Mental Health Caucus with Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA).  The caucus works on a wide array of mental health issues in a bipartisan fashion by dedicated Members of Congress and the mental health advocacy community.  More than 90 members from both parties have joined the Caucus, and some of the Caucus’s top priorities is removing the stigma attached to mental health so that its focus is in parity with other ailments and fighting to include mental health services into health services delivery systems. 

(###)

Home | Press List