Inspector General's report
From the AP:
Inspector general's report warns of inadequate mental health treatment
WASHINGTON A report is raising new concerns about the mental health treatment available to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The report -- from the inspector general of the Department of Veterans Affairs -- finds that those veterans are at increased risk of suicide, because V-A health clinics don't have 24-hour mental health care available.
It's the first comprehensive look at mental health care available to veterans -- particularly in the area of suicide prevention.
It finds that many facilities lack 24-hour staff, or personnel who are properly trained -- and that there isn't adequate screening for mental problems.
The study's authors say with about a-third of veterans reporting symptoms of post-traumatic-stress disorder, officials in charge of veterans' health care need to move toward "full deployment of suicide prevention strategies."
Comments
I don't know about others but for me some of my roughest times are "after hours". Maybe it's linked in some way to the sleep problems I have so I am just naturally more worn out and at my worst at night.
If other experience this same pattern, that could be a very significant issue for the Vets. I know the VA Hospital where I live does not have a very good reputation in regards to the mental health care in the ER, especially after hours.
Posted by: SallyT | May 11, 2007 07:48 PM