PTSD UPDATE 3 July 2008
Posted by Service Officer on July 3rd, 2008
Fort Carson CO and Fort Leonard Wood MO would become test beds for predeployment counseling programs aimed at reducing the risk of combat stress under legislation sponsored by two Colorado lawmakers. Reps. Mark Udall (D-CO) and John Salazar (D-CO) are urging the creation of pilot programs at the two Army bases to try to prevent post-traumatic stress disorder in combat troops, and to provide early detection and treatment for PTSD when it happens. The bill H.R.6268they introduced 12 JUN also gives active-duty service members access to readjustment and mental health counseling from veterans centers, provide grants for nonprofit groups who provide counseling services for the survivors of service members or veterans, extends military survivor benefits to families of service members who commit suicide after a history of combat-related health problems, and creates a new scholarship program to train behavioral health specialists about mental health treatment for service members and veterans.
The wide swath of initiatives complicates passage. The bill was referred to the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, but its provisions fall under the jurisdiction of two other panels — the Armed Services Committee that is responsible for military benefits, and the Ways and Means Committee that oversees grants for nonprofit groups. The bill is similar to S 3008, a measure introduced 12 MAY by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Christopher Bond (R-MO). Boxer and Bond might offer their package as an amendment to the 2008 defense authorization bill when the Senate takes up that measure in JUL. Senate passage of the legislation would provide a legislative shortcut that would avoid giving three House panels the chance to consider — and possibly change — the bill. Udall said Congress needs to do more. About 40,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD, with more than 600,000 reporting symptoms of PTSD or severe depression. Udall, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, said the Defense Department and Veterans Affairs Department are not doing enough. [Source: Marine Times Rick Maze article 17 Jun 08 ++]
