House Bill 1697 is a bill that amends title 51, Military Affairs of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. This bill wishes to provide services and programs to veterans with cognitive mental disability and emotional trauma, and it also wishes to establish the Office of Veterans’ Mental Health Awareness.

Veterans across the country are struggling with mental health issues, but are not receiving the treatment that they need. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects approximately 20 million U.S. military veterans, and these veterans face hardships that involve mental health, physical health, social health, and occupational functioning. Only 9.5% of veterans receive mental health care for PTSD and other mental illnesses. Veterans have not had the amount of treatment or support that they need or deserve. Misdiagnoses and later onset of symptoms are just a few reasons why these veterans are underserved. Due to the lack of services and programs, veterans experience decreased independence in their day to day tasks, thus decreasing their quality of life. As a future occupational therapist, addressing these concerns is crucial to ensuring that veterans are receiving the care and services they need.

House Bill 1697 would ensure that veterans are receiving the correct treatment for their condition.

I urge you to consider the positive effects this bill will have statewide and show your support by signing this petition!