US House to Consider Veteran Caregiver Legislation – July 27

On July 27, 2009, the House of Representatives will consider a bill to support the caregivers of our wounded warriors.  As you know, caregivers of our veterans have made great sacrifices – giving up jobs, delaying their educational aspirations, relocating – to provide daily care for our Nation’s heroes.  

H.R. 3155, as amended – Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act (Michaud)

The July 2007 report of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors (Dole-Shalala Commission) found that of the 1,730 injured OEF/OIF veterans surveyed, about 21 percent of active duty, 15 percent of the reserve, and 24 percent of retired or separated service members had friends or family who gave up a job to be a caregiver.  H.R. 3155 would provide support services to family and non-family caregivers of veterans, including educational sessions on how to be a better caregiver; one-stop access to support services via a dedicated caregiver support Internet website; and information and outreach.  The bill would also make counseling and mental health services available to family and non-family caregivers of veterans. 

News outlets have expressed interest in the bill and are looking for personal stories of veterans and the needs of their caregivers.  You may want to call your local radio station, write a letter to your newspaper, or e-mail your caregiver story to NPR reporter Dan Zwerdling ([email protected]) and help bring attention to the unmet needs of veteran caregivers.