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Esty seeks to expand VA peer counselor program for female veterans

Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty has introduced a bill to equip the Department of Veterans Affairs Peer Support Program with an adequate amount of peer counselors to help address the mental health needs of female veterans. 

 

A 2016 VA report on mental health found that the "risk for suicide was 2.5 times higher among female veterans when compared with U-S civilian adult women.  The agency also determined that female veterans who experienced military sexual trauma, who have mental health conditions, or are at risk of becoming homeless face numerous barriers in seeking and accessing assistance, including through VA. 

 

The Program currently employs more than 1,000 peer counselors in VA health care facilities and Community Based Outpatient Clinics around the country.  They are trained to help veterans manage and overcome mental health conditions, substance use disorders, homelessness, and other challenges.

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