The House recently passed a bipartisan bill package aimed at providing mental health and substance abuse resources for service members, veterans, and their families. The legislation includes the establishment of an Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention within the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. State Rep. Jennifer Conlin, chair of the House Committee on Military, Veterans, and Homeland Security, praised the effort that led to the passage of this crucial bill package. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that vets and their family members have access to essential mental health and substance abuse resources.
State Rep. Christine Morse sponsored HB 5277, which focuses on interagency collaboration and veteran outreach for the new office. As the spouse of a Navy veteran, Morse understands the challenges that come with transitioning from active duty to civilian life, especially for combat veterans. The bill aims to make this transition easier and increase access to mental health services to reduce the epidemic of veteran suicide.
HB 5279, sponsored by state Rep. Felicia Brabec, outlines a peer-to-peer program that the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency will implement to support veterans and active military members. As the only clinical psychologist in the state Legislature, Brabec highlighted the importance of access to mental health care, treatment, and support for all Michiganders. She stressed the sacrifices made by veterans and active military members and expressed enthusiasm for sponsoring legislation that supports their mental health needs.
The passage of these bills is a significant step towards improving mental health care for those who have served our country.
In conclusion, these three bills are part of a larger effort to improve mental health care for service members, veterans
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