Thursday, December 11, 2014

APA Urges Senate to Pass Veterans Mental Health Care Bill


APA today joins veterans’ service organizations like the Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the Disabled American Veterans in urging the U.S. Senate to pass its version of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act (S. 2930) before adjourning for the year.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a related bill that, among other provisions, encourages increased recruitment of psychiatrists into the Veterans Health Administration through use of a medical school loan repayment program.

APA members can contact their senators by clicking here.

Should the Senate adjourn in the next few days without acting on the measure, the bill will have to be reintroduced in January.

“Many of the nation’s veterans face significant mental health conditions, which are the invisible wounds of war,” said APA President Paul Summergrad, M.D. “Far too often they are not receiving expert, timely care. This legislation is a critical step in helping veterans get the care they need, which is our sacred obligation to provide.”

For more in Psychiatric News about incentives for psychiatrists in the Veterans Health Administration, see: "Psychiatrists’ Pay to Rise at Veterans Health Administration."

(Image: Shutterstock.com)

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