VA Told to Set Up Programs for Depression Care

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VA Told to Set Up Programs for Depression Care

(March 21, 2007) -- WASHINGTON — The House on Wednesday directed the Veterans Affairs Department to develop a program dealing with suicide among veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other depression issues.

Legislation passed 423-0 orders the VA to set up a program to train staffers and screen veterans, including the elderly, who receive medical care at a VA facility for suicide risk factors and refer at-risk veterans for counseling and treatment.

It says the program should include research into suicide prevention and create a 24-hour hotline for veterans wanting to discuss their problems.

The House also unanimously passed bills to increase benefits for veterans who lose sight in one eye due to a service-connected event, and to enact an annual cost-of-living increase for benefits of veterans with service-related disabilities. All three bills need Senate consideration.

Considering the stress of serving in wartime, it's no surprise that there's a higher risk of suicide among veterans than in the general population, said House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner, D-Calif.

Rep. Michael Michaud, D-Maine, cited reports that one out of five veterans returning from Iraq suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and that one out of every five suicides in the country is a veteran.

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The bill, sponsored by Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, was named after Joshua Omvig, a member of the Army Reserve from Iowa who committed suicide after returning from Iraq.

Source: Associated Press

Last updated: 03/07

VA Told to Set Up Programs for Depression Care

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