May '08 Nevada Government—Shelley Berkley Column

America’s Armed Forces Must Have a

Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program

Stress on U.S. Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan Seen

Contributing to Increase in Suicide Rate

Pointing to a dramatic rise in suicide rates among members of the U.S. military, as well as among veterans, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV) is pushing for creation of a comprehensive prevention program targeted at those in the armed forces at risk of taking their own lives.

“Today we are seeing alarming numbers of America’s armed forces attempting suicide or taking their own lives and that demands we have a plan in place to address this growing issue. That is why I am cosponsoring legislation that creates a comprehensive military-wide suicide prevention strategy targeting not only active duty troops, but also our National Guard and Reserve,” said Berkley, who serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Seeking to spur action on the issue, Berkley has cosponsored H.R. 5223, The Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act. The legislation requires the Department of Defense to implement comprehensive suicide prevention programs within all branches of the military, including National Guard and the Reserve.

“We passed a law requiring the VA to create a suicide prevention program for America’s veterans and there is absolutely no reason we should not do the same across all branches of our military,” said Berkley, pointing to a law she helped to pass in 2007 requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address the suicide issue.

“The brave men and women of America’s armed forces are protecting our national security, but we are failing to recognize the increased danger they face when it comes to the risk of suicide. More than one-third of active duty soldiers and half of our National Guard members who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan report mental health issues and this strain can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. My legislation will provide added resources to the Department of Defense for more training and for outreach to personnel in an effort to prevent military suicides,” Berkley said.

Recent U.S. Army statistics show that 121 soldiers committed suicide last year -- a 20 percent increase from 2006. This is the highest rate of Army suicides recorded since the Army started collecting this data in 1980.

Berkley Voices Opposition To Hospice Cuts

Bush Proposal Would Slash $2.2 Billion for Critical End-of-Life Services

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley voiced her opposition to a Bush Administration proposal that would slash Medicare spending for hospice care. The Administration’s FY 2009 budget proposes to cut hospice reimbursement under Medicare by more than $2.2 billion over five years.

“I am deeply concerned that cutting $2.2 billion in funding for hospice providers will prevent patients from receiving comprehensive end-of-life care. Studies have shown that hospice care actually saves money, so why is the White House looking to reduce funding for these vital services that aid Americans who are nearing the end of their lives and who deserve compassionate care? President Bush should not move forward on this proposal which threatens to limit the availability of hospice care in Nevada and nationwide,” said Berkley.

Berkley notes that studies have identified significant cost savings associated with the Medicare hospice benefit. A recent Duke University study showed that patients receiving hospice care cost the Medicare program about $2,300 less than those that did not.

“Studies show that hospice care actually saves Medicare money, so I see no reason to cut these payments and I hope the administration will drop this misguided effort,” said Berkley.

Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care at the end of life, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach of expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s wishes. Hospices around the country provide invaluable services and care by enhancing the quality of life for the terminally ill. They also provide emotional and spiritual support to a patient’s family and loved ones. Generally, this care is provided in the patient’s home, nursing home or in a home-like setting operated by a hospice program, which allows terminally ill patients and their families to remain together.

House Vets Committee Approves Berkley “Justin Bailey Act”

Legislation Named in Honor of Las Vegas Iraq Veteran Seeks to Expand and Improve Mental Health Services at VA Facilities

The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs approved legislation coauthored by Congresswoman Shelley Berkley that seeks to improve and expand mental health services through the Veterans Administration (VA), including treatment for substance use disorders.

“This legislation will help to expand and improve VA mental health services. This care is critical for today’s veterans and for those currently serving in America’s armed forces, many of whom may need mental health services once they return from active duty. I am extremely pleased that my colleagues on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved the Justin Bailey Act and I remain hopeful that this important legislation will soon come before the full House for a vote,” said Berkley, who serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

The Justin Bailey Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008, HR 5554, will assist veterans of all ages, including U.S. troops now returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Following today’s committee action, the bill is now poised to receive a vote before the full U.S. House of Representatives.

“Studies have shown that as many as one in five veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are experiencing PTSD and as a result, some of these men and women may also become dependent on alcohol or drugs. That is why we must take the necessary steps to ensure that veterans can receive treatment through the VA for substance use disorders and that the care they are given is effective and includes comprehensive monitoring,” said Berkley.

The legislation is named in honor of late Marine Lance Corporal Justin Bailey, a 1998 graduate of Las Vegas High School who served in Iraq. Bailey, who was diagnosed with PTSD following his return from active duty, sought substance abuse treatment through the VA. The 27-year-old veteran died while receiving care at a VA clinic in Los Angeles.

“The comprehensive review required in my bill will help to ensure our newest veterans receive proper care when they turn to the VA, including vital mental health services. My goal is to make sure that what happened in the case of Las Vegas veteran Justin Bailey is never repeated and that no other family has to watch their son or daughter die while under the VA’s care.”

A provision authored by Berkley in The Justin Bailey Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008 requires the Secretary of the VA to complete a review and report on residential mental health care facilities of the Veterans Health Administration.

The review and report will provide:

A description of the availability of care in residential mental health care facilities in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN).

An assessment of the supervision and support provided in the residential mental health care facilities of the Veterans Health Administration.

The ratio of staff members at each residential mental health care facility to patients at such facility.

An assessment of the appropriateness of rules and procedures for the prescription and administration of medications to patients in such residential mental health care facilities.

A description of the protocols at each residential mental health care facility for handling missed appointments.

Any recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate for improvements to such residential mental health care facilities and the care provided in such facilities.