LYNN (Video) Congressman Seth Moulton held a town hall Tuesday night at the Lynn Museum to bring attention to mental health issues that veterans face. Moulton noted, “Mental health should become a routine part of healthcare in America: for our troops, our veterans— for everybody. Veterans across the country are opening up about our post-traumatic stress (PTS) and mental health challenges because it is vital that we tell our stories, end the stigma around these issues, and make sure everyone gets the support they need. And it should be a model for everyone else.” Moulton added that, “That’s why I’m outlining a plan to dramatically improve mental health care in America, starting with our veterans. Veterans are at higher risk of mental health challenges like post-traumatic stress, and their care should set the standard for the rest of the country. Mental health care should be a regular part of American life, and veterans can lead the way in ending the stigma around these issues for good.” Video below features Moulton’s post event comments on his personal story and policy solutions. MSO News will have more on the event on Wednesday
Moulton Plan
Make mental health check-ups as routine as a physical for active-duty military and veterans
➢ Require annual mental health check-ups just like annual physicals. Mindfulness training is preventative medicine as pioneered today by the special operations community and other elite units.
➢ In addition, require a mandatory counseling session for everyone returning from a combat deployment within two weeks of arriving home.
➢ Fill all mental health vacancies at the VA and adopt a more holistic approach to treatment, including alternative therapies like mindfulness, exercise, and cannabis. Fund an ad campaign for veterans’ families to recognize mental health symptoms. 2. Fund yearly mental health screenings for every high schooler in America
➢ Following the example of our troops, establish the importance of mental health at a young age by funding yearly health screenings for every high schooler in America.
➢ Introduce mental health training (mindfulness, yoga) into the physical education curriculum of high schools in America. 3. Establish 511 as a National Mental Health Crisis Hotline
➢ Every day, more than 22 veterans and active-duty servicemembers are lost to suicide. More than 50% of all Americans who struggle with mental health don’t get the help they need. Establishing a single well-known, simple number to dial will help more individuals, both veterans and civilians, get the help they need before it is too late.
➢ Build awareness for 511 and mental health challenges through public ad campaigns, including digital targeting for those who search for help online, and by talking more openly about our challenges to de-stigmatize these issues.
