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Bill would expand
services for National Guard, reservists
(July 2008
Issue)
By Ami Albernaz
U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has introduced legislation that
would expand and coordinate mental health services for National
Guard members and reservists. The National Guard and Reserve Mental
Health Access Act would establish a network of mental health providers
for soldiers; improve care for soldiers with brain injuries; and
establish a pilot program for telemental health services.
"Our National Guard and Reserves make incredible sacrifices for
our country and we owe them the very best access to care possible,"
Kennedy said in a statement.
Currently, National Guard members can access psychological services
at VA medical centers and smaller outpatient clinics and veteran
centers. The bill attempts to provide better coordination of care
through designated groups of mental health professionals in each
state, which would be overseen by a national director from within
the Guard. Outreach efforts would be aimed at making soldiers and
their families aware of Guard services and at reducing any stigma
associated with psychological services.
The bill would bring to a national scale the efforts of pilot programs
that have sprung up in states including Vermont. There, a program
announced last November included an increase in outreach workers
and called for more specialists to work with victims of traumatic
brain injury.
Kennedy's bill calls for pilot programs centered on telehealth
services before and after deployment, in order to evaluate the feasibility
and effectiveness of the technologies. The programs would benefit,
in particular, Guard members living in rural areas far from veteran
facilities.
The bill would also mandate the implementation of a National Guard
reintegration program introduced in Congress last year. The program
would provide a comprehensive set of services for troops and their
families including education assistance, and help in receiving health
care benefits. It would also include a series of integration events
for Guard members and their families.
The bill is currently with the Armed Services Committee.
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