Congressmen Tim Ryan and Guy Reschenthaler Co-Chair Bipartisan House Military Mental Health Task Force
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressmen Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) announced they will be co-chairing a bipartisan Military Mental Health Task Force. This task force serves as a group of those in the House who are dedicated to addressing issues pertaining to military mental health and suicide prevention.
“I’m proud to continue to stand with members of our active duty Armed Services and veterans community as the Co-Chairman to the Military Mental Health Task Force. I look forward to working alongside our newest Co-Chairman, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler,” said Congressman Ryan. “The mental health of our military servicemembers and veterans is an extremely important issue that needs to be addressed. The critical work from this task force will help in educating Congress and the general public in how to help those who have risked their lives for our country.”
“Too many members of our nation’s military suffer from mental illness upon their return to civilian life. I look forward to working with Rep. Ryan to increase awareness and work towards solutions that can improve the mental health of heroes who served our nation,” stated Reschenthaler.
The Military Mental Health Task Force will host several briefings/roundtable discussions with subject matter experts, disseminate information, and provide resources to Members and their staff so they can learn about the challenges facing America’s former and current Service members and their families.
The task force will be part of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, co-chaired by Reps. John Katko (R-NY) and Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA).
“Mental health issues affect Americans of all backgrounds, and members of our military are no exception,” Rep. John Katko stated. “Congress must take initiative to support our military servicemembers struggling with mental illness. I welcome the addition of the Military Mental Health Task Force to the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, and look forward to working with Congressman Reschenthaler and Congressman Ryan on mental health issues facing our brave military members.”
“Congress must work to ensure comprehensive mental health services for all who serve our nation in uniform and their families,” Napolitano said. “This must include identification and treatments of Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, as invisible wounds of war often go unnoticed before it is too late. I thank Congressmen Reschenthaler and Ryan for their dedication to improving the mental well-being of members of the military, veterans, and their families, and I look forward to working with them on behalf of the Mental Health Caucus.”