The Alabama House has passed a bill led by State Rep. Chip Brown, R – Hollinger’s Island, that focuses on meeting the mental health needs of military veterans in the state. Brown emphasized the importance of providing quality mental health services to those who have served in defense of the nation and acknowledged the dedication, sacrifices, and mental health needs of veterans. He highlighted the patriotic nature of Alabamians.
The Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee, consisting of state agency heads, public officials, and stakeholders, will be responsible for developing a comprehensive plan for mental health care for Alabama veterans under Senate Bill 135. This bill is sponsored by Sen. Andrew Jones, R – Centre and authorizes collaboration between the Alabama Department of Mental Health and the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs to create this plan. The plan will address services for substance abuse recovery, traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions.
Eligible individuals for assistance under this plan include Alabama residents who served in various branches of the U.S. military and were honorably discharged as well as honorably-discharged veterans from the Alabama National Guard, Air National Guard and reserve forces of the U.S military. The plan must be submitted to the Alabama Legislature for review and input by April 1st, 2025 and sent to the governor for review and approval by June 30th 2025