Federal Daily - October 28, 2009

DoD/VA Summit Tackles Mental Health Care

DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs this week hosted a summit to explore a broader public health solution to mental health care issues among U.S. servicemembers and veterans. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said troops injured in overseas combat still face too many bureaucratic hurdles when they attempt to get help—especially troops suffering from battlefield-related mental health issues. “It is clear that the department can and must do more,” Gates said at the Oct. 26 summit. VA said studies show a large incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder during the lifetime of many combat veterans. Summit organizers invited mental health experts from both departments, as well as from Congress, the president’s cabinet and more than 57 non-governmental organizations to discuss a new public health model. A final report following the summit will summarize policies, programs and practices that show promise for enhancing the well-being and care of servicemembers, vets and their families, VA said. To see more, go to: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1805 or www.defenselink.mil/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1391 (Gates).

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