This week, U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, and Rep. John James, R-Michigan, introduced the bipartisan Helping Heroes Act, which seeks to support veteran families’ access to mental health care, peer support and other resources to help them lead healthier lives, according to a news release from Gluesenkamp Perez.
The legislation would help support the 2.3 million children who live in a household with a disabled veteran, as they often take on additional caregiving responsibilities, the news release stated.
The Helping Heroes Act would require a full-time family coordinator at each U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) medical center to assess the needs of veteran families in their catchment area and refer them to available local, state and federal resources.
The bill would also establish a Family Support Program to provide supportive services to eligible family members of disabled veterans, ensure transition assistance curriculum includes information on services for children in veteran families adjusting from active duty to veteran status, and require the VA to collect data on the experiences of disabled veteran families to better identify and understand their needs.
“Our veterans made an incredible sacrifice — and it’s our federal government’s responsibility to make sure they can access high-quality care after returning home. It’s medical care, but it’s also familial, mental health and peer support to live full, healthy lives,” Gluesenkamp Perez stated in the release. “We know that wellbeing isn’t only about an individual — it’s also about community and a network of support. Our bipartisan Helping Heroes Act will ensure veteran families and children of disabled veterans have the resources they need and deserve.”
“The Helping Heroes Act stands as a solemn pledge to those who have borne the burdens of our nation’s defense — a pledge I understand deeply as a combat veteran,” James said. “I’m committed to ensuring that our heroes receive the support and resources they have rightfully earned. This legislation strengthens the lifeline for our veterans and their families, providing them with the care, opportunities, and dignity they deserve for their selfless service to our nation.”
The Helping Heroes Act is supported by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, American Veterans and the Association of the United States Army.
The Helping Heroes Act was introduced in the Senate on a bipartisan basis by Sens. Patty Murray and John Boozman.
