Visit to Tuskegee Campus Highlights Veterans’ Mental Health Needs

Last Tuesday, members of the Alabama House Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committee visited the historic Tuskegee campus of the Central Alabama Veterans Health System. They were joined by representatives from the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and Mental Health Services.

This wasn’t just a routine tour; it stemmed from a meaningful discussion with a veteran who had positive experiences while receiving behavioral health treatment at the facility.

Their story pushed me to see firsthand what services Alabama offers veterans through the federal VA system. Veterans, I believe, deserve more than just expressions of gratitude; they need timely and effective care, especially regarding mental health. With only two inpatient VA behavioral health facilities in Tuskegee and Tuscaloosa, it’s crucial to bolster the resources at hand.

As someone with military experience, I learned that in situations of crisis, the priority is to stop the bleeding. But equally important is identifying the underlying cause. The same urgency applies to mental health; we must provide immediate assistance while also tackling the root issues.

I was glad to join fellow committee members, including Chairman Congressman Ed Oliver and Representatives Jerry Stearns and Mark Guidry.

We were also joined by key state agency leaders, such as Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Jeff Newton and Alabama Department of Mental Health Secretary Kim Boswell, indicating the vital role of interagency collaboration in fostering veterans’ health.

During the visit, I facilitated the posting of a Veterans Crisis Line sign (dial 988 and press 1) near the Operation We Remember flag display on campus. This initiative, in collaboration with Alabama Challenge and the America 250 Alabama Veterans Honor Committee, serves as both a life-saving resource and a reminder to veterans that they are acknowledged and supported.

The visit allowed various leaders and stakeholders to come together and discuss how to expand access to mental health resources and recovery pathways for veterans throughout Alabama.

I take pride in the efforts of the House Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committee as we continue to work diligently in Congress and beyond. Our focus is on fostering strong partnerships, assessing current services, and effecting meaningful improvements in collaboration with both federal and state systems.

To all Alabama veterans, on behalf of the Alabama Legislature, I want to emphasize: You are not alone. Your service is valued, your needs will be acknowledged, and your health will remain our priority.