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Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32) introduced legislation authorizing the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to extend mental health counseling to all eligible and interested U.S. military families, including individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).
“Too many military families are not receiving the counseling they need because of lack of access or language or cultural barriers. Cultural competency in mental health and social services is critical to providing quality health care to the thousands of military veterans and their families,” said Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis. “As the diversity of our military personnel grows, so does its needs.”
Solis’ legislation – titled the Culturally Competent Veteran and Family Care Act - aims to ensure that the VA implements and complies with Executive Order 13166, which required all federal agencies to prepare a plan to improve access for eligible LEP persons to its federal assistance programs and services. In addition, the bill would mandate the VA to assess the language needs of its beneficiaries, including identifying the non-English languages that are likely to be encountered.
“I support and thank Congresswoman Solis for introducing legislation that will serve military families,” said Cmdr. Fernando Del Rio, director of the Larry Amaya Chapter in Los Angeles County GI Forum. “We need to secure culturally sensitive programs and expand services to grief stricken mothers, fathers and children. As a nation we need to care for the homeland and her people.”
Recent reports show that 17 percent of individuals serving in Iraq have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. |