Friday, August 31, 2012

Obama signs order to improve mental health access for veterans, faster suicide prevention contacts

Obama signs order to improve mental health access for veterans, faster suicide prevention contacts
"Before heading out for a speech at Fort Bliss, Texas, today, President Obama signed a executive order directing the Department of Veteran Affairs to expand its suicide prevention mental health services. In addition to adding new staff for this purpose, the department will bolster its own efforts by seeking partners among local mental health professionals.

Veterans with mental health issues—including post-traumatic stress syndrome and the effects of traumatic brain injuries that have been so common in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars—complain that getting appointments with Veterans Administration mental health staff can take months. Rather unhelpful when suicide is a possibility"