Daniel Akaka: “I am pleased to express my strong support for S. 2162, the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of…”

“I am pleased to express my strong support for S. 2162, the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008, as amended. This bill includes provisions on mental health care, suicide prevention, care for substance use disorders, prevention of homelessness, pain and epilepsy care, and other health care matters. This comprehensive legislation addresses many critical issues facing our Nation's veterans. Returning home from battle does not necessarily bring an end to conflict. Servicemembers return home, but the war often follows them in their hearts and minds. Their invisible wounds are complicated and wide-ranging, and we must provide all possible assistance. I am working with VA Secretary James Peake to ensure that VA is forthright about the numbers of suicides and attempted suicides among veterans. Solid and reliable information is critical to our understanding of the issues. Prevention of suicide is a vitally important mission. A growing number of veterans are in need of mental health care.”