In a continuing effort to address the military’s mental health system, Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) visited Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., on Friday to meet with local military leaders at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.
“Nearly one in four Americans are living with diagnosable mental illnesses nationwide,” Blunt said. “Whether they are in the military or other parts of our society, we must start treating these behavioral illnesses just like any other physical illness and work to provide these Americans with the same opportunity for a cure.”
“Our military bases on American soil should be a haven of safety for our servicemen and women and for their loved ones,” Blunt said. “I’ll keep fighting to improve our mental health system for the people and families who sacrifice to protect our country, and for all Americans.”
Blunt, who serves as a member of both the defense appropriations and authorizing committees, participated in a U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on defense health on April 9, questioning a panel of military surgeon generals about the mental health system and the nation’s military hospitals.
Additionally, Blunt took part in a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on April 8, discussing mental health policies and Missouri’s military assets.
Blunt also applauded the recent passage of the bipartisan “Excellence in Mental Health Act” that he co-sponsored with Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), which is meant to address the nation’s fragmented mental health system.