Congressman Sander Levin

Access to Mental Health Care

It is estimated that 620,000 returning troops suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, or traumatic brain injury (TBI) from Iraq or Afghanistan.  In response Congress has expanded VA mental health care services and provided an extra three years of VA health care eligibility for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.  The 2010 budget resolution calls for expanding VA research on how to treat mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury. 

Congress has also required the Department of Defense to institute a comprehensive policy to address TBI and PTSD and guarantee veterans a mental health assessment.  Hiring of mental health professionals has begun, but many more are needed. 

I was also an original cosponsor of the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, which was also signed into law. This legislation directed the VA to develop a comprehensive program designed to reduce the incidence of suicide among veterans. The 24-hour toll-free hotline set up by the legislation has already served more than 30,000 veterans, family members, and friends. 

(Updated June 18, 2009)