April 12, 2013
Whereas, in the decade since the 9/11 terrorist attack on our country, more than 2.2 million troops have been deployed to support the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many of those returning from combat face new battles as they transition back to civilian life. Some veterans suffer invisible wounds including Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder and other types of mental and emotional issues. If not treated, these problems can lead to troubled relationships, lost jobs, substance abuse, homelessness and even suicide
Whereas, homelessness among veterans between the ages of 25 and 54, those most likely to be veterans of service in Iraq and Afghanistan, has risen considerably. Today 61 percent of our homeless veterans fall into this age range.
Be It resolved, that to effectively serve a large portion of this population with shelter and services, Permanent Supportive Housing with robust individualized services be provided to promote independent living leading to an early return to the community life. Services to include case management, medical and psychiatric care, housekeeping, home health assistance, medication and appointment reminders, addiction treatment, meal programs, and life coaching avoiding the more expensive institutions such as jails, hospitals, and homeless shelters.
Whereas, at discharge from military service, veterans are not enrolled in the VA System upon separation from service; and many, if not most, veterans are not well informed of VA services and locations of the various VA facilities, and that there is currently a inordinate delay in the processing of veterans claims in some cases as long as two years.
A $10 million study will investigate if a substance found in fish oil can reduce the risk of suicide among military veterans, where the rate is higher than in the population as a whole.