2023 House Concurrent Resolution 5

Whereas, The men and women who voluntarily sign-up to serve our nation in the United States Armed Forces, and the additional uniformed services, generally do so with an understanding that such service may ultimately impact their physical and mental well-being. Even with this knowledge, they still answer the call to serve; and

Whereas, Members of the active-duty Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, and their reserve components, the Army and Air National Guard, may have experiences that increase the risk for developing behavioral health problems, including traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. Effective treatment options for these conditions vary from servicemember to servicemember; and

Whereas, Upon return from a deployment, members of the reserve components and the National Guard are demobilized and must reintegrate back into civilian life, while simultaneously losing access to the full range of services offered by the military health system and having to emotionally deal with the same experiences as their active-duty counterparts; and

Whereas, Non-technology treatment options, such as buddy-to-buddy programs, controlled use of psychedelics in clinical settings, outdoor therapy, and easier access to service animals, among others, have shown promise to help veterans improve their mental health and find a new normal while dealing with the invisible wounds of war and service; and

Whereas, The families of servicemembers must also not be forgotten, and resources should be made available to help them understand and assist their loved ones who may be suffering from psychological trauma. Family members of servicemembers or veterans with behavioral health problems may experience family violence and aggression, lower parenting satisfaction, and child behavior problems. Resources should include services that will help family members deal with the impacts of their family members’ service; and

Whereas, The need to address veteran mental health is of key importance in Michigan. In 2021, it was reported that there were 554,281 veterans living in Michigan, making Michigan rank eleventh out of fifty-three states and territories in veteran population. However, between 2016 and 2020, it was reported that there were 882 Michigan veterans who died by suicide; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we urge the United States Congress, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and investment in non-technology treatment options for servicemembers and veterans who have psychological trauma as a result of military service; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, the Chair and Ranking Members of the Committees on Veterans Affairs and Armed Services, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.