Lawmakers recently approved a bill allowing the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs to set up and manage a statewide healthcare system.
Brandon Miller, from the Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs, emphasized the importance of tailoring mental health services to veterans.
The bill, known as State Bill 135 or the Veterans Access to Care Bill, passed the state legislature in the spring and took effect on June 1. Currently, Alabama lacks mental health resources specifically for veterans.
Recognizing this gap, a committee was formed to create a detailed plan to address the behavioral health needs of Alabama veterans.
Brandon Miller stated, “At the state level, specific services for veterans are lacking. While we have crisis centers and other programs that do great work, veterans need services tailored to their needs, such as for TBI, PTSD, and other issues related to their military service.”
The new steering committee will convene for the first time in August 2024 and aims to present a comprehensive plan to the governor by June 2025.
