Kilmer Effort to Tackle Mental Health Issues Across U.S. Military Included in Annual Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced the inclusion of his legislation, the Servicemembers Mental Health Improvement Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives-passed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, marking a milestone in the effort to develop and provide recommendations for a comprehensive strategy to tackle mental health issues across the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
“In one of my meetings with a military leader, I asked him what kept him up at night,” said Rep. Kilmer. “He didn’t say ‘budget cuts,’ or ‘terrorists.’ Rather, he told me, ‘The thing that keeps me up most is mental health. I’ve lost more soldiers to suicide than I have to enemy combatants.’ With that in mind, creating a Mental Health Task Force within the Defense Department to develop a mental health strategy is important. It will help save servicemembers’ lives, improve overall health within the military, and ensure that Congress is better able to support those who serve.”
From 2016 to 2020, DoD reported that 456,293 active duty servicemembers were diagnosed with mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and PTSD. Regrettably, studies indicate that servicemembers are five times more likely to suffer from major depression, six times more likely to experience intense anger, and 15 times more likely to endure post-traumatic stress disorder compared to civilians. These disorders account for the highest number of hospital stays and rank as the second most common reason for outpatient visits among servicemembers.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining psychological health, enhancing resilience, and promoting recovery for servicemembers and their families, DoD, Congress, and external organizations have made efforts to address these issues. Initiatives such as DoD Office of Inspector General investigations, Government Accountability Office reports, commissions, and Congressional oversight aim to improve servicemember health. However, these endeavors have primarily focused on individual concerns rather than considering a comprehensive approach to the various factors crucial for mental health improvement.
The Servicemembers Mental Health Improvement Act is endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association; American Psychological Association; AMSUS, The Society of Federal Health Professionals; Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States; Fleet Reserve Association; Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.; K9s For Warriors; Military Officers Association of America; National Alliance on Mental Illness; National Guard Association of the United States; National Military Family Association; Service Women’s Action Network; Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors; Vietnam Veterans of America; Wounded Warrior Project.
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