Durbin prods VA to add counselors for troubled vets

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-wvets22.html

Concerned that Illinois veterans are having to wait months to see a therapist, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has asked Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson to hire more family counselors and explain how the VA is responding to Iraq war soldiers returning with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"The feedback I get from veterans as I went around the state is that they were waiting anywhere from three months to a year to see a counselor -- which is terrible," Durbin said. "These people are going through difficult problems with their families, alcoholism and serious problems with their jobs. They can't wait. The VA has to be more timely."

Durbin's plea for more mental health professionals follows the defeat of a bill he co-sponsored last week that would have provided $2billion more this year for VA health care, including an added $525 million in mental health services.

A VA study shows that every year, the agency is treating more people for PTSD but with fewer visits per veteran.

[libhill]

1. So heart warming

The way Republicans "support the troops".

[Mend]

2. and the treatment is life-long....these patients do not

seem to get completely cured, although they can do better with on-going therapy.

[libhill]

3. Which should be made available, damn the cost.

But I guess it's easier to pay lip service to "our brave troops" and drive around with a yellow ribbon on our vehicles. I'm sure that makes them feel sooo much better. This country is so full of shit. We put our servicemen in harms way, then leave them to their own devices when they return home with problems. And who wouldn't have problems after months in combat.

[Mend]

7. It has been proven over and over that mental health costs

are well in-line with costs of other chronic illnesses. Many can be helped by mental health counsellors (inexpensive) with the occasional med check by the MD. The cost of ignoring our soldiers is astronomical.

[myrna minx]

4. What is so sad, is that it takes a lot of

prodding to get a vet to GO to counseling in the first place. My friend is suffering from PTSD from this stupid fucking war, but he will not go to a therapist. To slam the door on people that are willing to go makes me so sick to my stomach. PTSD effects EVERYONE in the family. This is so awful. :grr:

[coffeenap]

5. My Senator!! Go Durbin! Go anyone willing to take care of anyone!!!

We seem to have become a nation of selfish, short-sighted asses. More power to all who help others-from Durbin to a teacher willing to hug a five year old. Who have we become that we won't give money to help each other? Let alone time or attention. (Present company excepted, of course.)

[myrna minx]

6. kick

:kick: