Legislation Introduced by Congresswoman DeLauro

109th Congress | 108th Congress | 107th Congress | 106th Congress | Search for Legislation

Summary

Military Mental Health Services Improvement Act, H.R. 1639

Since the beginning of the Iraq War, more than 900 servicemembers have been evacuated from Iraq due to mental health concerns, and a new study by the New England Journal of Medicine confirms that more than one-quarter of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans seeking care at the VA are doing so for mental health treatment. While we have made good progress since the Vietnam era in improving and diagnosing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other forms of combat stress, much more remains to be done.

Specifically, the Military Mental Health Services Improvement Act will:

Ensure that troops deploying to combat theaters get the mental health screening they need before and after deployment.
Create a new program designed to alert dependents of servicemembers about the options for and availability of mental health treatment services.
Reduce the stigma associated with mental health treatment.
Improve coordination between DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs in treating mental health cases.
Allow recently-deactivated Guard and Reserve members and their families to obtain mental health services through TRICARE for up to 24 months after the servicemember returns.
Allow colleges, universities and community hospitals to play a constructive role in helping to diagnose and treat combat stress in our servicemembers.

	This is an official Website of the U.S. House of Representatives.
	Washington, DC Office 2262 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-3661 Send a message.	District Office 59 Elm Street New Haven, CT 06510 Phone: 203-562-3718