FROM THE DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT: MICHAEL MCDANIEL

On October 28, 2015, The American Legion will be testifying before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to address VA’s efforts to increase access to mental health care through its increased hiring initiative and the Community Provider pilot program.

In response to President Obama Executive Order 13625, VA medical centers nationwide were directed to host Community Mental Health Summits at all VA health care facilities. These summits were designed to  promote awareness and utilization of VA mental health resources, help Veterans gain access to community services, and build healthy communities for Veterans and their families. In addition to the summits, VA established 24 pilot projects with community based mental health and substance abuse providers across nine states and seven Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs).

We would like to know your feedback on your experience with the community provider pilot program, and if you had an opportunity to participate in any of VA’s Community Mental Health Summits conducted at VA medical centers, what was your impression of the summits. For all feedback, please email Department Assistant Adjutant, Fred Robinson.

If you could respond by October 20, 2015, we would greatly appreciate it. I would like to thank everyone in advance for your support!

Sincerely,

Michael McDaniel
Department of Florida Adjutant
American Legion