METAIRIE – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (VA), convened a field hearing in New Orleans titled “Breaking Barriers: Improving Veterans’ Mental Health in Louisiana.” Joined by key stakeholders in veterans’ health and support systems, Cassidy examined how mental health care services are functioning for veterans in Louisiana, and where they can be improved.
“We’re here for our veterans. This hearing is about finding solutions,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We’ll take what we learn and turn it into action so every veteran can succeed.”
Among the witnesses were Mr. Charlton Meginley, the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and Mr. Paul Hermann, the Executive Director for the Louisiana Department of Disabled American Veterans.
“I am extremely grateful to Senator Cassidy and the members of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for hosting the field hearing to bring to light the issues veterans in Louisiana face regarding mental health,” said Secretary Meginley. “Our veterans took an oath to protect and defend our country, and I believe that working with our federal partners, we can make a difference in the lives of Louisiana’s 262,000 veterans.”
“It was an honor to take part in the Field Hearing with Senator Cassidy on behalf of the Disabled American Veterans for both the Department of Louisiana and the National Organization,” said Mr. Hermann. “The MENTAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS are vital to the Health and Welfare of my Brothers and Sisters that served.”
Background
During the field hearing, expert witnesses provided testimony on the importance of improving mental health care for veterans. The witnesses represented a variety of organizations, including medical providers, veterans’ service organizations and both the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Louisiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Topics covered included mental health care services at VA clinics, community care, services for the homeless, veteran suicide prevention and rural community access.
Cassidy’s VetPAC Act was recently marked up by the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. This legislation would create a new Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Policy Advisory Commission to facilitate a transparent, expert-driven review process for the VHA’s operations. It would ensure critical areas such as technology, staffing, and patient care are continuously improved.
Cassidy also had signed into law the Solid Start Act of 2021, which codified a program started by President Donald Trump to ensure each veteran is called three times within their first year of leaving active duty to connect them with VA programs and benefits, including mental health resources.
Cassidy has also previously spearheaded legislation to reform mental health care for all Americans, which became law in 2016 and was reauthorized in 2022.
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