Blog post

Senate Passes Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act
Posted by Tom Tarantino on November 19 2009

By a vote of 98-0 the Senate has passed S. 1963, the Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010.  The fight for this vital piece of legislation has been difficult, but thanks to the combined efforts of the veterans community, we are one-step closer to upgrading our VA health care system.  This bipartisan legislation contains:

• Enhancements in VA health care for female veterans, including new training for VA mental health providers to handle veterans who experienced military sexual trauma.  (Key IAVA Priority)
• Support to family caregivers of severely disabled veterans by giving them access to counseling, support and a living stipend.
• Expanded mental health services to rural regions where veterans currently have to drive hundreds of miles to seek mental health care. (Key IAVA Priority)
• Improved traumatic brain injury (TBI) care. 
• Additional programs for homeless veterans. (Key IAVA Priority)
  

Additionally, S. 1963 would provide training and certification for caregivers, expansion of respite care for TBI; provide dental insurance plans for veterans, and programs to enhance the recruitment and retention of VA medical professionals. 

IAVA will continue to work with our allies in the Veterans Community to put pressure on the House, but as always, we need you contact your Congressional Representative and urge them to bring S. 1963 to a vote.  Together, we can make a difference for veterans and their families.

Tom Tarantino, an Iraq veteran, serves as IAVA's Legislative Associate in Washington, D.C.

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