JONES ADVOCATES FOR IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR MILITARY

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) spoke out in defense of armed service members whose mental health treatments are being delayed due to furloughs of civilian Defense Department (DoD) employees as a result of sequestration.  In a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, Congressman Jones outlined the backlog occurring at Camp Lejeune and bases across the country as more individuals are seeking treatment while the capacity to provide care is decreasing when civilian health workers are furloughed.  The letter advocates for further action from the DoD to ensure that quality of care is not compromised for active duty service members and veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries.

“Our men and women in uniform have made incredible sacrifices in defense of our freedom,” said Congressman Jones.  “The least we can do for them is provide access to the mental health care that they need to begin to recover from their wounds.”

Congressman Jones has consistently warned of the harmful effects sequestration could impose on our military and did not vote for the original bill that mandated across-the-board spending cuts.  In addition, he has a long history of advocating for appropriate mental health care for military personnel. 

The full text of the letter is available at the link below.