New Mental Health Services Available for Veterans

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that veterans of the U.S. military who find themselves in a suicidal mental health crisis will be eligible for emergency medical care at any VA facility or any private facility free of charge. This policy will give more than 18 million veterans access to emergency care without fees, copays, or even enrollment in the VA system.

Common Defense Executive Director, Jose Vasquez released the following statement:

“As the nation’s largest grassroots veterans’ organization, we celebrate this decision on the part of the VA to utilize their resources to increase access to mental health care for our nation’s veterans. This policy will save countless lives by helping to reduce suicide and self-harm among veterans who are unable to pay for care. While we recognize this major step, we must continue to push for adequate resources and funding for mental health care–not only for our veterans but for Americans across this country. Republican efforts to cut funding to and undermine the VA ultimately harm our veterans when they need help the most. Common Defense will continue to advocate for affordable and accessible healthcare for veterans and Americans who are suffering, working towards a more equitable society where these resources are accessible to all.”

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