A HOUSE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE IS DISCUSSING HOW TO IMPROVE HEALTH SERVICES FOR VETERANS IN ILLINOIS. 

SEVERAL ISSUES CAME UP DURING THE HEARING, INCLUDING THE LACK OF ACCESS TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR RESIDENTS OF STATE VETERAN’S HOMES, AS WELL AS VETERAN SUICIDE. IN 2019, 167 ILLINOIS VETS TOOK THEIR OWN LIVES. STATE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACTING DIRECTOR TERRY PRINCE SAYS THEY ARE TRYING TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM WITH NEW FEDERAL FUNDING.

REPRESENTATIVE ANNA MOELLER OF ELGIN SAYS SHE HEARS COMPLAINTS ABOUT A LACK OF COMMUNICATION AS TO THE SERVICES AND BENEFITS THAT ARE AVAILABLE. SHE SAYS THAT’S ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR YOUNGER VETS WHO MAY NOT BE HANGING OUT AT THEIR LOCAL V-F-W HALL.

LAWMAKERS EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THERE’S STILL A STIGMA AROUND VETS SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH CARE AND STRESSED THE NEED FOR MORE COMMUNICATION ABOUT WHAT PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE TO VETERANS.