Councilmember Says Veterans' Health and Mental Health Care Must Become Higher Priority

Washington, D.C.  – Today, Councilmember David Catania (At-Large) chaired a hearing of the Committee on Health to address the District’s response to the mental health needs of its returning veterans.  The District is home to nearly 40,000 veterans, a number that is growing as a result of the country’s ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Studies show that 1 in 3 returning veterans will face one form of combat-related psychological injury, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety.

“Ensuring that the District’s veterans get the health and mental health care they may need should be a priority of this government,” said Catania. “Left untreated, combat–related psychological disorders can make it difficult, or even impossible, for our veterans to rejoin their families, gain employment, and maintain steady housing among other things.” 

Full Press Release >>