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- by Delegate Sonny Minnick (D - 6) -
As this year’s General Assembly draws to a close, lawmakers have the chance to make good on our commitment to support the troops by passing legislation that would enhance mental health services for men and women returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. House Bill 372, Maryland Veterans Behavioral Health, will provide mental health services through the state of Maryland while soldiers wait for services provided by the federal government. Unfortunately, that wait can sometimes be a long one, so this legislation aims to serve as a bridge for soldiers who reside in Maryland in need of mental health services and the federal government’s resources set aside for military veterans. Maryland’s Mental Hygiene Administration and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration would provide screening assessments, helping soldiers understand and evaluate what mental health issues they must deal with, individual and group therapy as well as substance abuse intervention and detoxification services, a crucial step in helping veterans who turn to drugs and alcohol to deal with mental sores suffered on the battlefield.
The statistics show that mental health is a common casualty of war, but with professional help, can be addressed to improving veterans' quality of life. The Veterans Health Administration recently reported that out of the 205,000 soldiers who have returned from battle since 2002 more than 73,000 - or about 36 percent - received a possible mental health disorder diagnosis. A state study showed that of the 15,000 Maryland veterans who have returned from war in Iraq or Afghanistan, one-third will struggle with substance abuse or mental health issues. Even though these soldiers might not bear the physical reminders of warfare in the Middle East, many will struggle with the equally debilitating diagnosis of a mental health disorder.
I feel that this is an especially important piece of legislation because many of our Maryland National Guard troops will be returning home this year from their tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. These young men and women are our family members, neighbors and friends. Fortunately, our state can help them avoid the devastating long-term effects of these disorders, along with the alcohol and drug problems that sometimes accompany them. Maryland’s program would include a crisis hotline designed specially for military veterans who find themselves in need of help and assistance or advice on how they can obtain the proper medical services. House Bill 372 would also provide in-house visits from mental health professionals and transportation to and from treatment centers across the state.
Like all worthwhile legislation, this comes with a price tag. In fiscal 2009, this program will cost $3.1 million, with the total cost dropping slightly in fiscal 2010 and 2011. If we are able to provide essential care for the selfless men and women who risk their lives to serve you and me, that cost is well worth it. Helping them overcome substance abuse and providing them with the professional mental health needs they need is our responsibility. Many of us talk the talk when it comes to supporting our valiant troops, and House Bill 372 gives Maryland lawmakers a chance to walk the walk.