Alabama House member drives veterans’ mental health care improvement with new legislation

Alabama House member Chip Brown, R-Hollinger’s Island, spearheaded a bill to improve mental health care for veterans in the state. Through his efforts, Senate Bill 135 was passed, which authorizes collaboration between the Alabama Department of Mental Health and the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a comprehensive plan for veteran mental health care.

Brown emphasized the importance of providing quality mental health services to those who have served in defense of the nation. He highlighted the dedication, sacrifices, and mental health needs of veterans and underscored the patriotic spirit of Alabamians. The legislation is an opportunity for the state to honor its veterans by ensuring they receive the support they need to cope with their service-related mental health challenges.

Under this legislation, eligible individuals for assistance under the comprehensive plan include Alabama residents who served in various branches of the U.S. military and were honorably discharged. This assistance also extends to honorably-discharged veterans of the Alabama National Guard, Alabama 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 1, 2025, and sent to the governor for review and approval by June 30, 2025.

The focus is on ensuring that mental health needs and services for veterans in Alabama are adequately addressed and that those who have served their country receive the support they deserve. The Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee will be responsible for creating this plan, consisting of state agency heads, public officials, and stakeholders.