Wounded Warrior Project Commends Senate Passage of Mental Health Care Act
WASHINGTON (Aug. 11, 2020) — Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) applauds the passage of S.785, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, a major legislative priority for WWP for veterans’ mental health.
This critical legislation supports new treatments for PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) for veterans that are designed to improve mental health and well-being, increase resilience, and reduce suicide. Among more than 30 provisions, WWP is pleased to see the inclusion of proposals to:
- Create a new pilot program to extend VA’s reach into the community, expand its programming through nonprofits, and improve interventions to protect against veteran suicide.
- Align the medical research community to develop targeted PTSD and TBI therapies more quickly.
- Improve collaboration between DoD and VA on mental health research, transition assistance programs, and clinical and non-clinical mental health initiatives.
- Study and invest in innovative and alternative treatment options like yoga; meditation; and recreational, animal, and agri-therapy.
“The Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act will ensure warriors living with the invisible wounds of war receive the care and treatment they need, especially in underserved areas and populations,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “We are grateful to Senators Jon Tester and Jerry Moran for their leadership on getting this bill passed and to the numerous co-sponsors for their support and belief in this vital legislation. We look forward to working with members of the House of Representatives to continue the momentum and send legislation to the president’s desk so our nation’s wounded veterans can benefit from the improvements it will bring.”
According to the 2019 WWP Annual Warrior Survey, 91% of warriors report experiencing a severe mental injury during their military service, with 77% living with depression. Almost one-third of warriors have difficulty getting mental health care, put off getting such care, or do not get the care they need.
Learn more about WWP’s legislative priorities and how we work with our nation’s leaders to improve the lives of wounded veterans and their families.
Contact: Mattison Brooks, mrbooks@woundedwarriorproject.org, 202.969.1120
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.