Thursday, June 28, 2012

“Once the war is over, people tend to forget veterans’ needs"

Mental health group urges increased assistance for military, families
June 28, 2012 - A new report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness said the government needs to fill the gaps in mental health coverage for America’s soldiers and veterans, who – along with their families – face high rates of mental illness.

“Parity for Patriots,” released Thursday, focuses on holes in the mental health care system, as well as on military suicide, the stigma associated with such ailments and on the delay in implementing mental health parity legislation.

“Once the war is over, people tend to forget veterans’ needs,” said Bob Carolla, director of media relations at the alliance. “We want to make sure ongoing mental health needs aren’t forgotten.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, which advocates for services, treatment and research on mental health disorders, said that such disorders “affect one in five active-duty service members and are the most common cause of hospitalization.”

The rate also applies to military spouses and children, groups that the alliance said are often overlooked in mental health care treatment. read more>>>


No comments: