NAMI
NAMI
NAMI
Give to NAMI
NAMI
Become a Member
Mental Illnesses Medications Support & Programs How You Can Help Find Your Local NAMI NAMIWalks
Search
 | Print this page | 
 | 
Public_Policy

Policy Topics: Veterans
Understanding the Issue

President Obama Signs Veterans Health Care Legislation 10/22/09
Veterans Health Care Legislation creates predictable funding for veterans’ health care.

VA, DoD Host National Mental Health Summit, 10/26/09
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) hosted a first-of-its-kind national summit to address the mental health care needs of America’s military personnel, families and Veterans, harnessing the programs, resources and expertise of both departments to deal with the aftermath of the battlefield.

House Passes Increases for Veterans Mental Illness Treatment
By a vote of 409-4 the House today passed legislation funding the Department of Veterans Affairs for FY 2009. The bill (HR 6599) includes $3.8 billion for mental illness treatment and $584 million for substance abuse treatment in the VA, significant increases over current year funding.

War Supplemental Bill Adds $100 Million for VA Mental Health Services
Late last week Congress sent to the President the FY 2007 Supplemental War Spending bill, known as the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act (HR 2206) that includes $466.8 million in additional funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the current fiscal year. President Bush signed the legislation on May 26.

Mental Health in the Military
Soldiers come home to face poor conditions or treatment.

GAO Report Finds Gaps in VA Mental Health Care
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report that faults the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for failing to fully spend a promised $300 million since 2005 to fill gaps in mental illness treatment for veterans and returning troops.

Senate Appropriations Committee Passes Veterans Spending Bill
On July 20, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported its version of the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Appropriations bill (HR 5385) that includes FY 2007 funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) and health care programs in the Department of Defense (DoD).

Your Right to Veterans Medical Benefits
The challenges of obtaining and using the benefits you need.


NAMI's Position on the Issue

NAMI's Where We Stand on Veterans
NAMI's position on the issue of veterans' mental health care.

Connie Walker Testimony 10/24/07
NAMI Veterans Council member Connie Walker testifies before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs on 10/24/07.

NAMI Board Member Fred Frese Testifies Before Senate VA Committee
On May 16, NAMI Board Member and Marine veteran Fred Frese testified before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on the nomination of Dr. Michael Kussman to be the next VA Undersecretary for Health.

NAMI Veterans Council Testifies on FY 2008 VA Budget
The NAMI Veterans Council offered Testimony on the FY 2008 VA Budget on March 20, 2007.


Take Action

Contact Your Representatives about Veterans' Issues
Use our online advocacy tool to send a letter to your elected officials right now and make your voice heard on these issues. Use our suggested text or compose a letter of your own.

Sign Up for E-News Alerts
Keep up with the latest developments on this issue by subscribing to E-News, our free action alert newsletter.


Other Resources

U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Veterans and Military Families for Progress
21st Century grassroots organization dedicated to ensuring that the rights and needs of veterans, military service members (including active-duty, Guard and Reserve) and their families are understood by the American public, endorsed by our elected officials, and protected by legislation, regulation, and public policy initiatives.



 | Print this page | 
 | 


Join NAMI today!

When you become a member of NAMI, you become part of America's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness. And now you can join online.