Congressman to propose mandatory mental health screenings for military personnel when signing up, before and after deployment and before discharge
By Vicki Nisbett
To deal with the problem of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the military, U.S. Rep. Harry Teague, D-N.M., unveiled a bill today that would require mandatory mental health assessments for service members upon induction, before and after deployment and before discharge.
Teague announced the legislation, which is named for Las Crucen Kyle Barthel, at a news conference at Veteran’s Memorial Park in
The legislation is titled The Kyle Barthel Veterans and Service Member Mental Health Screening Act.
“Kyle reached out and sought treatment but was never able to get the mental health help that he needed and deserved. Sadly, Kyle took his own life after suffering from problems associated with PTSD,” Teague said at today’s news conference.
The congressman was joined by Barthel’s mother and Doña Ana County Commissioner Scott Krahling at the announcement. Krahling, a friend of Barthel, has authored a guest column published on this site about Barthel’s death.
“When I decided to run for public office, it was because I wanted to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem,” Krahling said at the news conference. “Today, I can say I feel that I am a part of the solution. Although he isn’t here with us today, Kyle is here in spirit, and his life has inspired change that will give hope to the many military personnel and veterans currently suffering from PTSD.”
‘It’s about time’
Undiagnosed and untreated PTSD cases are leading to mental health issues that decrease the quality of life for returning combat veterans, and in some cases, lead to suicide, according to a news release from Teague’s office. Suicide rates for the U.S. Army have risen 60 percent since 2003. The 101st Airborne — Barthel’s unit — has suffered 14 deaths this year that are being investigated as suicides.
The bill aims to increase the providing of mental health treatment to “begin to stem the tide of tragic incidents associated with PTSD,” the news release states.
A local veteran who served in
“I’m proud of Congressman Teague for introducing it. I’m a Republican and I think Harry Teague is doing an outstanding job,” Dickerson said.
In response, Teague said in an interview, “We’re doing it for all of the veterans, not just for Democrats, but it’s nice to hear that other people think it’s a good deal, too.”
Another local veteran who served in
“They forgot about us before,” he said. “It’s about time they started looking after some of these kids. We came back from
Teague plans to introduce the bill when Congress returns from its current recess. The bill is expected to be assigned to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Teague has served on that committee since taking office in January.
If you are or know a veteran suffering from PTSD, call the Las Cruces Veterans’ Center at (575) 523-9826.
Nisbett is a Las Cruces-based freelance writer, and is writing articles for this site while she pursues other opportunities. She can be reached at puncpubs@yahoo.com.