| The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), noted in 2023, that PTSD is more common among veterans than civilians. At some point in their life, 7 out of every 100 Veterans (or 7%) will have PTSD. The VA’s National Suicide Prevention Report of 2023, reported in 2021, 6,392 veterans died by suicide and many veterans struggle to get timely mental health services they need and deserve. Recruiting and hiring mental health specialists is challenging, which hinders VA’s ability to support the growing number of veterans seeking help. A 2023 VA Inspector General report revealed that more than half of VA’s 139 medical facilities faced a severe shortage of psychiatrists. H.R. 5247, the Expedited Hiring for VA Trained Psychiatrists Act of 2023, aims to reduce wait times for veterans seeking mental health care by allowing the VA to establish a fast-track process for hiring psychiatrists. DAV supports H.R. 5247, in accordance with DAV Resolution No. 250, which calls for effective recruitment, retention, and development of the VA health care workforce. Please contact your representative and urge them to co-sponsor and support H.R. 5247, the Expedited Hiring for VA Trained Psychiatrists Act of 2023. |
