Dec 1, 2011
let's get Secretary Shinseki and Secretary Panetta here before this committee so we can start working towards one single understanding
Mike Michaud
The Public Record
Mike Michaud is a former U.S. Representative from Maine, serving from 2003 to 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented Maine's 2nd congressional district. During his tenure, Michaud focused on issues such as veterans' affairs, job creation, and healthcare. He was known for his work on behalf of the state's timber and fishing industries, advocating for policies that supported Maine's economy. Michaud also served in the Maine State Legislature prior to his congressional career, where he was involved in various initiatives to improve the lives of his constituents.
congress.gov
Dec 1, 2011
We have high standards that we have set. And as you have said, we are not meeting our own standards.
Dec 1, 2011
What can be done to improve outreach to servicemembers and veterans needing mental health care services, especially those veterans most at-risk?
Dec 1, 2011
The Military Office Association of America recommended that it require the VA and the DoD to establish a single strategy in a joint suicide prevention office that reports directly to the Department secretaries through a senior oversight…
Dec 1, 2011
We know that treatment works and that is extremely hopeful and is enough for us to keep going.
Dec 1, 2011
Approximately 20 percent of these deaths were veterans, although they only make up 1 percent of our population.
Dec 1, 2011
Given such demonstrated need: Please provide the Committee with a detailed explanation of any joint efforts by both departments to collect data on suicides or to do a comprehensive study on suicides.
Dec 1, 2011
And I think that that really makes what my good friends from the VVA and the IAVA talked about critically important, and that is outreach.
Dec 1, 2011
We urge this Subcommittee, the full Committee and the entire Congress to fully support the VA and Dr. Kemp in their important efforts by funding them at the highest levels possible, not just next year, but for many more years in the future.
Dec 1, 2011
It has been clearly demonstrated that DoD and VA must work together to address issues that face both departments, particularly suicide, mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Dec 1, 2011
What are your thoughts on their recommendations that both the VA and the DoD should use the PTSD protocol and guidelines suggested by the IOM?
Dec 1, 2011
Since 2007, this Committee has held five hearings regarding the issue of veterans' suicide, and the figures continue to increase at an alarming rate.
Dec 1, 2011
Fighting suicide is not just about preventing the act of suicide. It is about providing a soft and productive landing for veterans when they return home.
Dec 1, 2011
And we know that treatment works and that is extremely hopeful and is enough for us to keep going and to keep making these changes that we are headed towards and to know we are in the right direction.
Dec 1, 2011
While I commend the VA's efforts to reduce the suicide rate, particularly with the success of its Veterans Crisis hotline, challenges still remain.
Dec 1, 2011
To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.
Dec 1, 2011
It is a tragedy that our servicemembers and veterans survive the battlefield abroad only to return home and fall to suicide.
Dec 1, 2011
We have to stop that, and we have to change the way we think about outreach to veterans.
Dec 1, 2011
We have to do more, and we will continue to do that and we will work with them and get their input and their ideas.
Dec 1, 2011
If we don't know the entirety of the problem, how could we ever hope to solve it?
Politicians like Mike Michaud
