Senate Adopts Schaffer Resolution Supporting Veteran Mental Health Care

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate adopted Senate Resolution 21, sponsored by State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster), to urge Congress to support prompt and comprehensive mental health treatment for our nation's veterans. 

"This is an issue that was brought to my attention by one of my constituents who is a veteran," said Senator Schaffer. "When it comes to our nation’s military personnel and veterans, we should expect complete and full medical care for those men and women who sacrificed their health and well being in service to their country."

According to the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO), suicide rates among active-duty military members in 2021 were at an all time high since September 11, 2001—4 times higher than military operations—and have steadily increased over the past five years.

Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs states that 30,177 active-duty military personnel and veterans who have served in the military after the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, died by suicide in comparison to the 7,057 service members tragically killed in combat operations during that same time period.

Senate Resolution 21 urges the U.S. Congress to go above and beyond its current practices by using only qualified and licensed medical professionals with experience treating military personnel and veterans who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other service-related stress disorders. Additionally, the resolution asks the VA to consider a person who served in active military and was discharged with any condition—unless dishonorably—for possible qualification of VA health care benefits.