WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50), author of the Veteran Peer Specialist Act of 2021, reintroduced a resolution to reduce the stigma that prevents veterans and servicemembers from seeking mental health care. The legislation would designate June as National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) Awareness Month and June 27th as National PTSI Awareness Day.

“Ask servicemembers about their injuries, and they will likely show you the visible scars sustained from their service. What they are more reluctant to share are mental scars - the less visible but equally harmful injuries,” said Rep. Peters. “When 22 of our nation’s heroes die from suicide each day, it’s evident we must break the stigma associated with accessing mental health treatment and embolden our veterans to seek help when they need it.”

Background:

Rep. Peters first introduced the bill during the 115th Congress with the late Rep. Walter Jones (NC-03). Peters previously served on the House Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.

The Veteran Peer Specialist Act, which expanded the peer support specialist pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) over the next five years, passed in the FY 2022 Omnibus bill.

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